The Lie That Needed an Audience
Stonecliff stopped pretending at dawn.
The message was broadcast across every open channel they still controlled, framed as an emergency address, stamped with the seals of three allied packs. It carried urgency, gravity, and just enough truth to be believable.
Cassian listened in silence as the words echoed through the basin.
"They are accusing you," he said finally.
Lucien's jaw tightened. "Of what."
"Destabilizing neutral governance. Endangering civilians through uncontrolled exposure. Creating an environment where mercy is punished."
I closed my eyes briefly.
"They are reframing," I said. "Not the system. The motive."
Lucien scoffed. "They are blaming compassion for fear."
"Yes," I replied. "Because fear cannot argue back."
The broadcast continued.
Stonecliff's lead Alpha spoke calmly, sorrow etched carefully into his voice.
"We do not oppose accountability," he said. "We oppose chaos disguised as virtue."
