Seria didn't sleep.
She lay in her small apartment, staring at the ceiling, replaying every conversation with Damien over the past months. Looking for the manipulation, the calculated moves, the strategic positioning.
Finding all of it.
Also finding genuine moments. Real connection. Actual respect that couldn't be faked.
The problem was sorting which was which.
By dawn, she'd made her decision. Not the safe one. Not the one that looked right on paper.
The one that felt true.
She dressed in her full guard uniform – formal, official, every insignia polished. If she was going to do this, she'd do it properly.
Commander Voss's office at 7 AM sharp.
"Captain Thornwood." He gestured to a chair. "Have you made your decision?"
"I have, sir." She remained standing. "I'm declining the promotion."
His expression didn't change. "May I ask why?"
