The fog outside the Blinding Town Administrative Hall was thick as ever, curling like pale smoke around the street lamps. But inside Mayor Everlyn's office, the atmosphere was far heavier than the weather.
The faint hum of the air conditioner did little to cool the tension that filled the room. Everlyn sat behind her broad mahogany desk, her posture sharp and regal. Her long dark hair was tied back, and the faint reflection of the town's flickering lights glowed behind her through the glass wall.
Across from her stood Ling Fei, Vivian, Veronica, and Kenneth — all looking equally worn from their journey but resolute.
On the desk, Everlyn's phone buzzed with constant alerts from city security, journalists, and the military liaison, but she ignored them. Her attention was fixed solely on the four standing before her.
And eventually, Everlyn spoke coolly"You've had your chance to talk at the checkpoint. I assume you're here to repeat yourselves — or to waste more of my time?"
