The last of Marshal Orvek Taran's ships disappeared beyond the jump boundary, but nobody inside Sanctuary Ardent treated the withdrawal as a final victory.
Aurelian remained in the command center with Astra, Rhoswen, and Eirenne while the evacuation continued around them.
The main tactical display no longer showed an enemy fleet, yet Solenne kept her ships in formation and sent scouts along every likely approach route.
Taran had left because staying had become too costly.
That did not mean he had given up.
"He'll report directly to Saevor Drann," Aurelian said.
Eirenne stood beside the tactical table, her projection linked to the sanctuary network.
"Most likely. He will also send a complete record of the battle, including our fleet movements, the sanctuary batteries, and the defense cutters."
Rhoswen leaned against the edge of the table.
"So next time they will know where the guns are."
