CHAPTER FIFTY SEVEN – ORDERS FROM THE TOP

Logan listened gravely as they recounted what had happened. When they finished, he leaned back in his chair, his expression troubled. "I had hoped that defeating Xyon would put an end to this dissent," Logan said. "But it seems the roots of discontent run deeper than I realized." He turned to Laura, his eyes serious. "Laura, I want you to know that you're still under my protection. But I can't guarantee your safety if you stay here. Perhaps it would be best if you left the compound for a while, at least until things settle down." Laura felt a pang of fear at the thought of leaving. Despite the danger, the compound had become her home, and the thought of abandoning her friends was unbearable. "I... I don't have anywhere else to go," Laura admitted softly. Leah stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on Laura's shoulder. "She can't leave, Logan. She's one of us now. We'll protect her." Logan studied them for a long moment, then nodded. "Very well. But from now on, Laura, I want