Chapter 1 (1549 -> 4022 chars of actual narrative):
- Tightened dialogue, cut exposition, let silence do the work
- Stone on the bridge calls and answers with nothing but the truth
- Timmy's voice: fewer words, more weight
Chapter 2 (2132 -> 3465 chars):
- Marcus introduced in context, not as a side character
- The Builder's question is the engine of the entire story
- Every paragraph serves one purpose: build the why
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