The first real consequence did not come as a confrontation.
It came as access.
Elara realized it early in the morning, standing in the kitchen while the house moved around her with the same controlled efficiency as always. Nothing looked different. Nothing sounded different.
But when she reached for her phone, three notifications were missing.
Not deleted.
Never delivered.
She didn’t react.
Instead, she finished her coffee, set the cup down, and waited.
Elliot entered moments later, jacket already on, expression composed but alert.
“You noticed,” he said.
“Yes.”
“They’re limiting pathways,” he continued. “Not blocking them. Just narrowing.”
“Selective silence,” Elara replied.
“Exactly.”
She met his gaze. “So this is the first move.”
“No,” he corrected. “This is the confirmat
