The morning air over Pyreptar was crisp and clear, carrying the sterile scent of ozone.
Samantha stood on the upper mezzanine overlooking the northern transit bay, her fingers resting lightly on the cold alloy railing.
The arrival platform was quiet compared to the evening rush.
Automated cleaning drones glided silently over the polished composite floor, while a few early-rising students huddled near the hot-beverage kiosks.
Beside Samantha, Edmund stood motionless, his dark coat buttoned neatly against the morning breeze.
He had been there long before she arrived, his hands tucked behind his back, his expression a carefully constructed mask of noble indifference.
Yet, the subtle shift of his weight from foot to foot and the periodic glance toward the sky betrayed his focus.
He had been there long before she arrived, his expression a carefully constructed mask of noble indifference, though the subtle shift of his weight from foot to foot betrayed his focus.
