“There were remnants,” Nova added, her voice tightening just a fraction. “Equipment. A few files. Some computers left behind. But nothing substantial.”
Her lips pressed together at the end of it, the restraint clear.
“Not enough to determine who they are or what they’re planning.”
The silence that followed stretched just long enough to settle uncomfortably.
My hand tightened against the desk, the wood beneath my palm creaking softly under the pressure. In the quiet, the sound carried more than I intended, drawing a few brief glances before they returned to the discussion.
I didn’t like it.
Didn’t like the gaps. The missing pieces. The way everything pointed to something bigger without giving us anything solid to grab onto.
“Thank you, Nova,” Ezra said, her tone unchanged, as if the lack of answers didn’t bother her at all. “Continue searching the remaining sites. Gather anything you can and send it to me for an in-depth review.”
Nova nodded immediately, her hand lifting to her chest in a formal gesture before she dipped her head. “Understood.”
Ezra’s gaze shifted again.
“Calix.”
I leaned forward, dragging my hands down my face before looking back up at her. The motion left my hair slightly disheveled, but I didn’t bother fixing it.
“Where are we with the fae artifact?” she asked. “Have you reached Syris?”
I exhaled slowly, leaning back in my chair as one hand curled against the armrest.
“I’ve tried,” I said. “I’ve got people searching across the country, but nothing just yet.”
My gaze drifted off for a second before snapping back.
“You know how they are,” I added, jaw tightening. “They show up when they feel like it.”
My fingers curled tighter, nails pressing into my palm as my frustration edged through.
“It’s fine,” she said, her eyes softening just a smidge. “There’s no use getting worked up over that.”
Her expression remained composed, but there was a faint familiarity in her tone.
“Our grandfathers have always been… a little different.” She wasn’t wrong. With each year, our grandfathers were getting crazier, not giving a shit what they said in front of anyone.
“Maybe it’s because they’re so old.”
The voice came quiet, almost hesitant.
Every head turned.
Riot sat frozen for half a second after the words left her mouth, as if she hadn’t meant for them to. Her eyes darted between us, her brows slowly pulling together as realization set in.
Aniyah leaned forward abruptly, laughter spilling out as she slapped her hand against the desk. “Oh shit, Ri! You talk? That’s wild!”
Nova turned her head, pressing her lips together as her shoulders shook slightly, clearly trying not to laugh. “You betternot say that in front of them,” she added, her voice tight with restraint. “Especially Tata and Papu.”
Aniyah’s laughter picked up again at that, the image alone enough to carry it.
Riot crossed her arms tightly, her posture closing in on itself as she sank back in her chair. Her lips pressed into a thin line, and she looked away from the group.
“I’m not stupid,” she muttered.
