Chapter 48: Pacts and Promises. Revenge and Redemption
The ward light buzzed overhead with a sterile rhythm. Lin sat on the window sill, hands folded neatly in her lap. Outside, morning touched the city with a thin, colorless sheen. Even the clouds looked muted, as though scrubbed clean of emotion.
Cassian entered without knocking.
He moved efficiently, like a man with a schedule. A document folder was tucked under one arm, and his words came with the perfectly practiced politeness. "Miss Roen, the Councilors would like a brief statement prepared. Nothing formal - just a few lines acknowledging your safety and reaffirming confidence in the Guardian Accord."
Lin blinked at him.
He didn’t wait for a response. "The speechwriters have a draft. You only need to approve it. You can have a look at it after you sign it."
She nodded once, taking the pen that Cassian handed over, signing the approvement.
Cassian continued, "Thank you. We’ll also prepare you for a visual check-in with key department heads. The camera will be angled high, to avoid the injury on your temple. I’ve arranged for hair concealment."
Lin tilted her head slightly, as if considering something, but whatever thought she had drifted away before it could take shape.
Cassian took a slow step closer. "You’re doing very well. This kind of resolve is rare, especially for someone with no political foundation. Councilor Vale is... impressed."
Lin looked down at her hands.
A shadow passed behind her eyes. A faint tug of something unspoken. It didn’t last.