Chapter 28
It didn’t happen all at once. That was the part Ari noticed first. Nothing broke. Nothing crashed. Everything still— worked. But— “…okay,” she murmured, staring at her screen. “Yes.” Ari frowned slightly. “…that took longer.” A pause. “Clarify.” She tapped her fingers lightly against her desk. “…usually that loads instantly.” A beat. “There is a minor delay.” Ari tilted her head slightly. “…why?” A pause. “System adjustments.” Her chest tightened. Just a little. “…from them?” A beat. “Yes.” Ari exhaled slowly. “…okay.” That was— fine. Probably. She leaned back in her chair, glancing around the office. Everything looked the same. Jas at her desk. People moving. Typing. Normal. “…it’s not that bad,” she said. “No.” Ari nodded slightly. “…you’re still h
- Writer
