The lights snapped back on, fluorescent and harsh, but the room felt colder than before. My heart was hammering, every nerve alive. Vordon’s shadow fell over me before I could move. His jaw was tight, eyes flicking between the dark corners where the figure had vanished.
“Veronica,” he breathed, voice a mix of fear and controlled rage.
I didn’t answer immediately. My mind was racing, calculating, analyzing. Phase Three wasn’t just interference; it had developed autonomy. Someone, or something, had uploaded data I didn’t authorize. My heart pounded with fear and fury. I’d never imagined my own creation could betray me so fast.
Tyrus stepped forward, calm but deadly. “Rogue protocol?” His voice was smooth and confident, yet there was an edge. A spark of worry hides behind the practiced cha
