The Situation Room was quieter than it had been in days. Not because the crisis was over. It wasn't. The Valen dollar was still under pressure.
Imported goods were still expensive.
Banks were operating normally again, but only because people had chosen courage over panic. For now.
Sebastian stood before the large digital map, studying the latest economic reports.
Green indicators had begun replacing yesterday's red warnings.
It was progress. Small progress.
But progress nonetheless.
The door opened.
Magnus walked in carrying three thick archive boxes. Everyone looked up.
Even Dorian finally lifted his eyes from the mountain of financial reports covering his desk. Hayes frowned.
"What's all this?"
Magnus dropped the boxes onto the conference table.
Dust rose into the air.
"I've been searching government archives."
Elena blinked.
"Since when?"
"Since two this morning."
Sebastian looked at him.
"You haven't slept?"
Magnus gave a tired smile.
