**Bang. Bang. Bang.**
Eva startled awake, heart hammering. The storm outside roared against the glass, thunder shaking the walls.
Another fist pounded her apartment door.
She grabbed a robe and cracked it open—then froze.
Adrian.
Soaked. Pale. Barely upright.
“I—I couldn't reach Calla," he gasped. “The grid's down. Chip's failing."
He swayed.
Eva dragged him inside. “You're seizing?"
“Started twenty minutes ago… blackout killed stabilizers…"
“Why didn't you go to a hospital?!"
“Can't risk board access. They'll pull my chair if they learn—"
His knees buckled. She caught him just in time, lowering him to the couch.
“Stay still."
His hand seized hers, shaking. “Don't let go."
The moment their skin touched, the tremors slowed.
His eyes—dilated seconds ago—began to steady.
Brea
