Chapter 79. Refractions of Trust

A hush fell across the penthouse as Harper lay awake, eyes tracing the grid of lights pulsing far below. Knox slept beside her, chest rising and falling like the tide. The night held them in a fragile embrace—built of proximity but lacking warmth.

Her burner buzzed:

“SECURE MESSAGE – COUNCIL LIVE.”

No preamble. No subject line. Just a silent reminder that their next reckoning was imminent.

Harper sat up, breath shallow.

He stirred, voice husky in the dark,

“Still running?”

She looked at him, torn between exhaustion and duty.

“We’re not done.”

He reached out; his fingers hovered there—vulnerability masquerading as distance. She pressed summon on the message and the feed flicked to life.

Even at night, the chamber hummed with surveillance. Screens lined every corner. Council members sat in draped black reserve. And Lilah Vance presided—her posture carved of intent. Selene watched at one tile; the Third Heir at another. Selene