Briar’s POV
The atmosphere in the room hasn’t calmed since Asher refused their demands, and I sense the electric tension coursing beneath my skin, the kind of charged energy that emerges when multiple critical choices collide without harmony, so I remain motionless because any movement now would appear like backing down.
Asher maintains his grip on my hand, refusing to release it even when Ruth approaches with her tablet clutched against her chest and her face set with the sharp focus that typically signals an incoming alert.
"They’re cutting specific channels," she murmurs. "Strategic interference. Certain feeds remain untouched while others face disruption."
I acknowledge her words with a slight nod, understanding this aligns perfectly with their earlier tactics today, recognizing how the system consistently attempts to delay truth before attempting complete suppression.
Asher adjusts his position next to me, and I sense the change before he vocalizes it, detecting the subtle shift in his stance that indicates he’s reached a conclusion and is merely waiting for the appropriate moment to reveal it.
"I need to make a statement," he declares.
I rotate toward him completely, studying his features intently, because I recognize that particular tone and understand the price he pays when deploying it.
"Through what platform," I inquire.
"All of them," he responds, his voice containing no uncertainty, just unwavering determination that settles throughout the space like a physical force.
Ruth’s gaze moves between us rapidly. "Asher," she begins before halting, aware that once he reaches this mental state, cautionary words won’t alter his resolve.
"They already attempted to manipulate me," he continues, maintaining eye contact with me rather than addressing the room. "Remaining silent now guarantees they’ll repeat their actions, except the next attempt won’t involve subtlety."
My inner wolf presses forward beneath my ribcage, not with alarm but with focused attention, recognizing the transition from defensive positioning to active declaration, and I squeeze his hand once, not to deter him but to provide stability.
"They’ll target you directly," I state quietly.
"I understand," he answers. "They’re already mobilizing."
Ruth releases a measured breath before straightening her posture. "If we’re proceeding, we execute this properly."
Asher confirms with a single nod. "Broadcasting live."
That solitary word transforms the room’s entire energy.
Ruth immediately springs into action, redirecting feeds and activating channels that have remained on standby since the initial information release, and within moments the wall display transforms as interfaces stack upon each other while reach calculations and security evaluations scroll past too rapidly for comprehension.
Asher advances slightly, positioning himself completely within the camera’s range, and I realize with crystalline understanding that this marks the first occasion today he’s selected visibility over staying close to me.

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