Rain pelted the rooftop of the observatory like static. Elara stood by the high window, watching the jagged horizon tremble with each crack of lightning. The replay of Astra's message looped in her mind, Astra's voice, her belief in Jeren, and the truth it carried.
Damien entered the room behind her. "We've confirmed Mairee's internal security is reacting to a leak. Someone is feeding them positions, our fallback routes, safe houses."
"Any idea who?"
He shook his head. "Not yet. But whoever it is... they were close to Astra."
Elara stiffened. "My family knew Astra. Jeren worked with her. Could the leak have started back then?"
Damien stepped forward. "Do you still believe in your brother?"
She looked out into the rain. "I don't have the luxury of doubt, not if I want to keep this family alive."
Jeren sat alone in the data vault, reviewing maps from the failed Echo Ring mission. Nova entered, her movements hesitant.
"You're not the mole," she said simply.
