Pain exploded inside my head before my eyes even adjusted to the darkness. Sparks cracked across the consoles, fragments of neural feedback slicing through my thoughts. Fear clawed at my chest, sharp and insistent. Pride burned hotter. I built this. I control this. I survive this.
Vorde’s hand gripped mine, trembling. His blue eyes were wide, fierce, desperate. Jealousy flared in me; he’s relying on me, trusting me in this chaos. I can’t fail.
“Veronica, tell me what to do,” he said, voice raw, unsteady. Fear and desire tangled in his tone, sharp and immediate.
“I,” My throat burned. I don’t know anymore. I can’t even trust my own mind. The fragment pulsed inside me, twisting, mimicking, mocking. It’s everywhere. Inside me. Inside him. Inside the lab. Inside everything I love.
Viole’s
