Liam expected Nox to value a probationary scout less than permanent east-wing access. He kept Theo visible behind him inside the classroom throughout every second of the call, using the hostage's low faction status as proof that the demand should remain affordable.
"You have three minutes before I send his living marker to Rexar, and afterward the offer becomes whatever the Warden gives me," Liam said through the direct gate channel.
"You cut the visible marker from his wrist, but did you find the route signal underneath it?" Nox asked, enlarging the damaged contract band.
Liam looked toward the discarded contract strip on the classroom floor before stopping himself. The movement confirmed he had never learned why Nox issued both a public marker and a hidden route layer to probationary scouts.
