By dawn, the vault was a graveyard of broken tech and cracked walls. The air carried the scent of burnt circuits and scorched stone. Elara stood alone in the eastern hallway, where the final defense had taken place. The corridor still echoed with the ghosts of last night's violence.
Nova approached quietly, arms wrapped around herself. Her steps were soft, unsure.
"Did I... kill anyone?" she asked.
Elara didn't answer immediately. "You defended yourself."
"That's not what I asked."
Elara turned to face her. "You stopped a massacre. We all did. And no matter the cost, that matters."
Nova bit her lip. "I don't know if I can do it again."
"We don't have the luxury of knowing, only choosing. Every time."
Nova looked away. "Then help me keep choosing right."
Elara nodded once. "I will."
Down in the war room, Damien was sketching blueprints on a digital tablet. Astra sat nearby, her arm in a sling, eyes focused and sharp.
