The Silence That Asked for Sacrifice
The first death did not come with violence.
It came with absence.
The report arrived just after midday, folded too neatly, written too carefully. Cassian read it once, then again, his expression tightening in a way I had not seen before.
"A supply convoy from Greyreach," he said quietly. "Delayed. Redirected twice. Never arrived."
Lucien straightened at once. "Casualties."
"One," Cassian replied. "An elder. Heart failure."
Silence followed.
Not disbelief.
Understanding.
I closed my eyes briefly.
The elder had not been attacked.
Not denied aid directly.
Not punished.
He had waited.
And the system we had exposed had made waiting heavier.
"This is not Stonecliff," Lucien said immediately.
"No," I replied. "This is hesitation."
Cassian nodded grimly. "They delayed authorization because no one wanted their name attached."
The words cut deeper than accusation ever could.
The ledger pulsed faintly.
Not demanding.
Remembering.
