"They evolve," Elise said, holding Atlas's gaze with unwavering intensity. "When a light-bearer bonds with a human, the human begins to change. Not fully into what we are, but... more than they were."
Atlas's breath caught in his throat. "You mean they develop abilities?"
"Sometimes. But it's unpredictable, dangerous." Elise leaned against the console, her golden eyes dimming slightly. "The transformation succeeds in roughly sixty percent of cases."
"And the other forty percent?"
Elise's expression hardened. "Their bodies reject the change. The light burns them from the inside out."
Atlas stepped back, a chill running through him despite the warmth of the energy coursing beneath his skin. "You're telling me that if I... if Sarah and I..."
"If you bond with her, yes. She might evolve,
