Morning came gently to Haven Ring. Not with alarms or alerts, but with a gradual brightening of light along the inner arc, the network adjusting illumination to mimic sunrise. It wasn’t perfect—too even, too considerate—but it was learning the shape of comfort.

Evelyn woke to the quiet hum of systems settling into daytime rhythms. Hale was already awake beside her, sitting on the edge of the cot, boots unlaced, staring at the faint glow bleeding in through the viewport.

“She didn’t ...