The mainframe room was quiet, the hum of machines the only sound as James stood before the monitors, watching the final confirmation of the countermeasure's success.
The broadcast had been completed. Every child, in every location, had been reached. The activation signal was neutralized. The Reckoning was over. But even as the data scrolled across the screen, James felt no relief. The Shepherd's final words echoed in his mind, refusing to fade.
"You think you've won? You've only delayed the inevitable."
Harper moved to his side, her voice soft. "The broadcast is complete. The children are safe. We've done everything we could."
James shook his head slowly. "I know. But I can't shake the feeling that we're missing something. The Shepherd was too calm. Too confident. He had something else
