Mira’s POV

I entered Kesh’s quarters without knocking. He rose slowly. “You met with her,” I said. He didn’t deny it. “She gave me a choice.” “Peace through surrender?” I asked. “Survival through alignment,” he corrected. I stepped closer. “You were supposed to protect the Accord.”

“I still am.” “No. You’ve already chosen her.” “She will win,” he said quietly. “Better to make peace now than bury what’s left later.” His calm carried certainty, and ...