The book

Who they are in the book
Spoiler-freeShalaby is a loyal citizen seeking official recognition for his dead cousin Mahfouz, a member of the Quell Force. He believes the Gate will reward sacrifice and clear his family’s name. His arguments with Ines become part of the surveillance record. When flooding destroys his hometown and authorities blame the victims instead of helping, his faith in the system breaks. He remains alive, angry, and disillusioned; the novel does not show what he does next.
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