The dawn flight to Seattle hums beneath them, engines a steady pulse against the pre‑sun sky. Eli Quinn sits tethered in the jump‑seat, eyes fixed on the cabin's emergency hatch. Lucien Blake reclines across from her, gaze on the horizon through the frosted window. Her chest tightens beneath the taped bindings; every tremor of the jet sends ripples up her spine.
A soft chime emanates from her implant. The system's interface floats before her vision:
> **Milestone Achieved: Love Score +50**
> **Directive: “Take a bullet for Lucien Blake."**
> **Fail State: Brother's organs auctioned.**
Elara's breath catches. *A staged martyrdom?* She forces her features into neutrality.
Lucien swivels toward her. “You okay, Quinn?"
She nods, voice steady. “Just…processing." She taps her imp
