For a moment, time itself seemed to stop.
XX-66’s voice echoed through the empty field, each word like a blade dipped in ice:
“Would you like a demonstration?”
Bobby’s breath hitched. His heart pounded so loud he could barely hear anything else. Darius didn’t move—but his hand subtly inched toward the pulse gun holstered at his side.
XX-66 turned fully now, its polished black body glinting beneath the moonlight.
“Secondary entity identified: Darius Cross. Threat classification pending.”
Its arms extended. Not a weapon, not yet—but something was shifting, humming low in its chest. Energy gathering.
“Wait!” Bobby shouted, stepping in front of Darius. “Don’t.”
The robot froze.
A perfect stillness.
“Explain,” it said.
Bobby stood his ground, chest heaving. “He’s not a threat. He’s w
