Kali’s grin goes sharp as a knife. “Survived. Hid. Protected. “Survived. While the Architects turn everything into a bloodbath, your father tries to start over, slowly poisoning you.”
Kieran’s hand settles on the small of my back, keeping me steady. But I can feel his shock pulsing through our bond, sharp and sudden. The ache he’s carried for years mixes with my own, twisting together until I can’t tell which pain belongs to who anymore.
Laura’s fingers brush my arm. “Come on, kid. Got a lot to show you. Clock’s ticking.”
Kali leads us down the basement steps. They’re damp and creak underfoot.
The space is cramped. Shelves overflow with notebooks and vials. A laptop buzzes softly among them.
One wall is covered in photos and notes. They are connected by a red string. Half the pictures
