"You say 'our kind' like we're some different species. What exactly are we?" Atlas demanded, his golden light pulsing in rhythm with his sister's.
Elise's eyes flashed. "We're what comes after humans. Evolution's next step." She glanced at her watch. "But this philosophy seminar costs your friend's grandfather his life. Choose now."
Atlas didn't hesitate. "Take me to him."
"I'm coming too," Sarah insisted, stepping forward.
"And me," Hannah added.
Elise shook her head. "Just Atlas. Anyone else slows us down."
"She comes," Atlas nodded toward Sarah. "Her grandfather, her right to be there."
"Fine." Elise grabbed both their hands. "But she'll slow our extraction."
"Wait—" Mercer started forward.
Golden light exploded around them, engulfing the trio in blinding brilliance. When it fa
