The main hall of the Grey palace felt different when filled with tension thick enough to cut. Team 7 stood together in a loose formation, their body language speaking of exhaustion and unresolved conflict. Behind them, palace guards in their distinctive blue uniforms maintained respectful distances while keeping watchful eyes on the unexpected visitors.
Commander Seraphina Brooks entered the hall flanked by six young men in civilian clothes, but their bearing screamed military training despite the casual attire. Noah recognized the coordinated movement, the way their eyes catalogued exits and defensive positions, the subtle positioning that kept their commander protected while maintaining clear lines of sight.
What he couldn't wrap his head around was seeing his former academy instructor standing in Lucy's palace, looking every bit the EDF commander she'd apparently become.
