Chapter 25 Lark
Lark
Location: Interrogation Room
Time: Same
The shift happens before the door opens.
Subtle.
But I feel it.
In the system.
In the room.
In the way the air tightens.
They feel it too.
Good.
The man comes back in.
Faster this time.
Less composed.
That calm mask he wore earlier?
Cracking.
“Something is happening,” he says.
I don’t look at him right away.
I let the moment stretch.
Let him feel it.
“Yes,” I reply.
“It is.”
His eyes narrow.
“You think you’re clever.”
I finally meet his gaze.
Not defiant.
Not emotional.
Certain.
“I think,” I say quietly, “you should turn around.”
He lets out a short laugh.
Dismissive.
Arrogant.
Still clinging to control.
“That’s not how this works—”
The door behind him opens.
Not loudly.
Not dramatically.
Just enough.
Just there.
And everything—
Everything—
Changes.