If the Collector swept the hallway agin...
Daniel would need an anchor.
Jessica nodded.
"Fair."
Mara handed her the folded map.
"You'll need this."
Jessica took it.
The paper felt strangely heavy.
Like it carried the weight of seventeen years of survival.
Micah opened the door carefully.
The service corridor waited beyond.
Silent.
But not empty.
Jessica felt the system's awareness again __ distant but sharpening.
Like a predator adjusting its gaze.
She stepped into the hall.
Micah beside her.
Behind them, Mara's voice followed quietly.
"Jessica."
Jessica turned.
Mara's eyes were thoughtful.
"You remind me of someone."
Jessica tilted her head.
"Who?"
Mara's smile was small.
"The last person who tried to rewrite the system."
Jessica's stomach dropped.
"What happene
