One of the Disciplinary officers bowed stiffly. "Your accommodations, Core Member Micah. You are expected to remain within the compound unless summoned."
"Expected," I echoed. "Or ordered?"
He looked at me once, then turned away without answering.
When they left, I stood in the middle of the vast room, staring at the polished floors and perfumed air. It was beautiful, yes—but it felt like a cage lined with gold.
I didn't sit. I couldn't.
Elder Harun arrived that evening.
He didn't announce himself. One moment I was pacing by the window, the next I heard his calm voice from the doorway.
"You haven't touched the tea."
I turned. "I wasn't sure it was meant for me."
A small smile touched his lips as he stepped inside. "Paranoia is healthy. In moderation."
He set his staff aside and poured himself a cup. "You did well today."
"Did I?" I asked. "Because it feels like I walked into a snare and they closed it around me."
