They did not reconvene as a full group.
Clara's next release window required movement across three districts before the residual reconstruction closed the fringe routes. Lara and the swordsman took the outer watch.
The wizard went with Clara to stabilize the secondary nodes. Atlas remained at the grain-store alcove long enough to confirm the first wave of scholar summaries had begun circulating, then he too moved on. The capital's net was tightening in measurable increments; standing still had become a liability.
That left David and Eli in the residual-dull space behind the grain store.
For a while neither spoke. The muffled sound of carts and shouted weights continued on the other side of the wall. Residual texture in the alcove stayed flat. It would not stay that way for long.
David broke the silence first.
"I can't do this."
Eli turned fully toward him. The controlled posture she had carried since the tunnels shifted, just slightly.
"Say that again."
