Seria and Elara didn't return until late evening. When they entered their shared quarters, they found Damien reviewing demon movement patterns, preparing for the assault with methodical focus.
He looked up, noticing immediately that something was wrong. Their expressions were complicated – troubled but not angry, uncertain but not afraid.
"Where were you?" he asked. "You said logistics, but that was six hours ago."
"We need to talk," Elara said.
That phrase never preceded good conversations.
They sat together on the sofa while Damien remained standing, instincts telling him he'd want mobility for whatever was coming.
"We confronted Lyristae," Seria said without preamble. "Asked her directly why she's pushing you toward dangerous corruption levels. What she's actually trying to accomplish."
Damien felt his stomach tighten. "And?"
