“Do it.” The system’s voice didn’t rise; it didn’t need to. “External anchor consent required.” Adrian didn’t move, not immediately.
That pause lasted half a second too long. Long enough for everything in the room to notice.
Long enough for me to feel it in my chest.
A decision forming. Aiden spoke first. “Don’t give it anything.”
Adrian didn’t look at him. He was looking at me, or what was becoming me. The reflection behind me shifted again. Closer now, almost fully aligned. Almost me. “You’re hesitating,” it said softly. Adrian’s jaw tightened.
“I’m thinking,” he replied. “That’s the same thing,” the reflection said. Aiden stepped forward. “Adrian, if you authorize it." “I know what happens,” Adrian cut in. His voice was controlled. Too controlled. That was worse. The system chimed
