The invitation arrived at 18:12.
Not urgent.
Not marked high priority.
Not even colored red.
Just a quiet, clean notification sliding into Dreyden's interface while he was halfway through a circulation cycle.
PRIVATE CONSULTATION REQUEST — STRATEGIC ADVISORY
Requested by: Administrative Oversight
Attendance: Individual
Location: Tower Annex — Level 14
Time: 20:00
He finished the breath before opening his eyes.
Slow exhale.
Magic stabilized.
Core steady.
Lucas was sprawled on the opposite bench, spinning a practice blade loosely between his fingers.
"You just got something," Lucas said without looking up.
Dreyden didn't answer immediately.
"That obvious?"
"You went still," Lucas replied. "Not thinking-still. Decision-still."
Dreyden allowed himself the faintest smile.
"Consultation," he said.
Lucas's hand stopped mid-spin.
"Extraction."
"Invitation architecture," Dreyden corrected.
Lucas sat up. "Same difference."
