NATHAN’S POV“…candidate compatibility identified: Lila.”The network didn’t explode this time.It went still.That was worse.The kind of silence that isn’t peace just decision forming somewhere too large to argue with.I felt Lila’s hand tighten around mine so hard it almost hurt.But she didn’t let go.Neither did I.The universe repeated it again, softer now, like it believed repetition would make acceptance easier.“Lila: optimal emotional anchor candidate.”The observers reacted instantly.“No.”That wasn’t me.It came from everywhere.Humanity.The consciousness layers flared violently with rejection.Lila stepped back slightly, shaking her head.“No,” she whispered.But her voice didn’t reach the same certainty it used to.Because now the network had done something worse than threaten her.It had validated her importance.The Architect spoke quickly.“Anchor requirement is structural. Without stabilization, emotional collapse may recur.”The ancient entity followed, quieter.“
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