The network hummed beneath my skin like a second heartbeat.
I stood in the center of the war room, my eyes closed, my consciousness reaching out across the vast web of connections. The other networks were there, pulsing in the distance, their energy warm and welcoming. They were waiting for me. Waiting for me to take the first step.
"What do you feel?" Freya asked, her voice barely a whisper.
I opened my eyes. "I feel them. The other networks. They're ready."
"Ready for what?"
I looked at her. "Ready for me to lead them. Ready for me to unite them."
Selene stepped forward, her face pale with worry. "James, are you sure about this? We don't know what these other networks want. We don't know if we can trust them."
I shook my head. "I don't know if I can trust them either. But I know I
