The air shifted.
People slowed in their work. Tools stopped clanging. A murmur rippled through the crowd like wind through brittle glass, eyes turning toward Ash and Lane.
Lane stared, frowning.
"What are you talking about?"
Ash didn't blink.
"Don't play dumb. This… all of it… started because of you."
The murmuring grew louder. Some turned to each other, whispering names. Others just stared, silent and still.
Lane's voice sharpened.
"You're really going to believe him? I've bled for this place. Why would I put it at risk?"
Ash stepped forward.
"Then explain it. Why was the asteroid shard in your building?"
Lane hesitated. His lips parted—no words.
Ash's voice rose like a blade unsheathed.
"Say something!"
Eir moved between them.
"Ash,"
he said, steady.
"Hold. Let him speak."
He turned to Lane, voice softer now.
"Lane… we've known each other a long time. You should've told me."
Lane exhaled, eyes darting to the crowd, then back to Eir.
