The Valerian transfer was scheduled to be routine.
That alone made everyone uneasy.
Routine at Artemis rarely stayed that way-- not anymore, not since systems had begun behaving like they were listening.
Still, protocol held. The gallery floor had been cleared just enough to maintain presentation without disrupting the illusion of normal operations. A docent stood beside a glass case containing the artifact slated for transfer, posture perfect, voice rehearsed.
"--acquired during the late restoration cycle," she said smoothly, gesturing toward the piece. "The documentation will be finalized after your review."
Across from her stood Cassian Vale.
Impeccable. Still. Listening.
He asked the right questions. Not too many. Not too few. His attention moved exactly where it should-- until it didn't.
It happened five minutes into the tour.
A flicker.
A pause no one else would register.
His gaze shifted past the docent's shoulder.
Across the gallery floor.
