“They can take your memories,” Sef whispered, her voice a dry rasp, “but they can’t take what you build new. The moment you create something after processing, it’s yours. And it grows.”
“Can’t wait,” Kael said, and meant it—just not the way the guard thought. preyme
Because everyone’s a lamb, he thought. Instead, he forced a smile. “Just wait a week. I’ve got a surprise.” “They can take your memories,” Sef whispered, her
She stared at him for a long moment. Then she smiled—not the bright, ignorant smile of before, but something deeper. Something that had chosen to stay. Because everyone’s a lamb, he thought
The alarms stopped. The drones froze, then turned and flew away, repurposed.
But Sef had been right. The moment the virus finished uploading, Kael felt something new crystallize in his chest. Not a memory. A promise.
“Don’t sign up,” he said, voice too sharp.