MY CRUEL PROTECTOR
She saw Elena’s ghost raising a hand of light to strike me down, to sever the bridge forever.
"Mother, stop," Ruby whispered.
It is for your own good, Elena, the protocol replied. The Sovereign requires a vessel of logic, not a heart.
"I am the Architect," Ruby said, her voice growing stronger. She stood up, her hand reaching for my shadow. "And the Architect decides the design. Nevan is the foundation. You... you are just the scaffolding. And your time is over."
In the physical world, the Red Square began to tremble. The violet light from Ruby’s eyes shifted, turning from a cold, surgical neon to a deep, visceral purple—the color of royalty and rage.