Lucas didn't rush in this time.
That was new.
He stopped just inside the doorway and let the room settle in his vision before he stepped forward. People were already grouping, but there was less tension in it now. Not because things were easier, but because everyone understood the cost of getting it wrong.
That made decisions quieter.
More deliberate.
Tomas walked in beside him, stretching his arms overhead. "You're doing that thing again."
"What thing?"
"Looking like you already hate what's about to happen."
Lucas smirked faintly. "I don't hate it."
"You always say that."
"I mean it this time."
Tomas gave him a look. "That's worse."
Lucas didn't argue.
Across the room, Dreyden was in his usual place, still and observant. Raisel stood off to the side, watching the floor like he was already tracking patterns that hadn't started yet. Arden wasn't standing still today. She was moving, slow and controlled, like she was mapping the room with her feet.
