The conference room of A. Santos Productions was a world away from the oak-paneled boardrooms of the Whitmore Foundation. Here, the walls were painted a deep charcoal, adorned with vibrant concept art for films Lena had only vaguely heard of—epic fantasies with soaring dragons and shadowy kingdoms. The air smelled of coffee and fresh toner, buzzing with a creative energy that felt both alien and exhilarating.

Alejandro Santos, leaning against a table strewn with storyboards, ...