The Architect stood at the end of the long, gray hallway. He did not look like a monster or a god. He looked like a tired man in a plain suit, holding a silver pen that glowed with a sickening, pale light. Behind him, the walls were covered in thousands of sketches. I saw scenes from my own life on those walls, my childhood, the day I met Bryan, the nights I spent hiding from the Mainframe."You are very persistent, Hazel," the Architect said. His voice was smooth, like oil on water. "Most characters would have given up three versions ago. But here you are, still trying to break the glass.""I am not just a character anymore," I told him, stepping forward. Bryan stayed by my side, his hand tight on his gun. I could feel the golden pen in my pocket. It was still warm, still humming with the energy I had taken from the draft room. "I am the one who finishes the s
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