#Chapter 208: The Unseen War

Richard The council chamber was too bright, not only because of the lighting, though the overhead panels hummed with cold fluorescence, but because every face in the room was exposed. Postures stiffened under scrutiny, and expressions held the tension of anticipation. No one blinked or exhaled. Some waited for me to fail. Others, the so-called moderates, hoped I might still deliver salvation. None of them truly understood what it would cost, and none wanted to admit they’d seen it coming. “We have confirmation that the resonance systems embedded in Bell Dominion towers have been co-opted for sleeper conditioning,” I said, holding my voice steady. “The system is active. It has already triggered multiple incidents across border towns and hybrid districts. These structures were believed dormant, but they are not.” The room remained motionless. There were no coughs or whispers. They were hoping I was wrong, and part of me wished I was too. Simon stepped forward and laid three sea