The moment Adrian’s hand broke through the screen, the entire system lost its rhythm. It hesitated.
Like reality itself wasn’t sure what rule to follow anymore.
Aiden stepped back instantly. “That’s not physical access.”
The second figure whispered, “That’s not anything I recognize.”
The reflection didn’t move.
But its smile was gone now.
Inside the core breach, Adrian’s hand stayed suspended, not forcing, not breaking further, waiting.
Like he was listening to something no one else could hear.
Aiden’s voice sharpened. “Adrian, pull back now.” No response, not at first. Then, “I can feel the original layer,” Adrian said. His voice wasn’t echoing anymore. It was anchored, stable in a place where stability should not exist.
Aiden’s jaw tightened. “You’re not supposed to have continu
