The Illusion of Control

The door shut softly behind him.

For a brief moment, the room fell into an awkward, unsettled silence—the kind that lingered too long, stretching thin.

Kaelen’s jaw tightened.

Roth’s words echoed in the space he’d left behind.

If she’ll talk to you.

The thought lodged in his chest—sharp, unwelcome.

Then he spoke.

“Get the vehicle ready,” he said, voice low and controlled, the command cuttin