The projection kept glowing.
FINAL ALIGNMENT REQUIRED was written on it.
There was no countdown.
No warning.
It just stood there silently.
Bella looked at the words floating in front of her. Then let out a slow breath.
"I do not like this, " she said.
Leo gave a nod.
"Neither do I, " he said.
The man in the coat was standing a few feet away from them.
He was watching them with the expression he always had.
"The system is waiting, " he said calmly.
Bella folded her arms.
"I will have to keep waiting, " she said.
The man raised an eyebrow.
"You plan to refuse?" he asked.
"I plan to think, " Bella said.
Leo looked at her. Then a small smile appeared on his face.
"That is probably the thing you have said, " he said.
Bella nudged his shoulder.
"Do not get used to it, " she s
