If we didn't bring Benny back into the fold, if she didn't stand on that stage next Tuesday and speak her assigned data, the entire project was dead. Lyra’s academic record would be permanently compromised. My own flawless operational tier would be shattered.
The lecture hall dissolved into a chaotic blur of noise as Mr Harrison dismissed the class, but I was already moving. I stood up, slinging my black leather bag over my shoulder, my eyes locked on Benny as she hurriedly packed her things and pushed her way toward the side exit. She was trying to run. She knew exactly what that announcement meant, and she knew the consequences of what she had done were about to catch up to her.
"Gabriel."
A flat, perfectly calibrated voice intercepted me at the edge of the row.
I paused, my boots fr
