COLD STEEL, BLEEDING HEARTS
“Julian, it hurts. They’re pulling at me. They want their data back. They want everything I remember.”
“Don’t let them!” Julian dropped beside her, arms wrapping around her. Her skin was hot—scorching, like she was burning up from inside.
“I can’t… hold it.” Silver tears streaked her cheeks. “If I don’t give them something, they’ll tear the planet apart to find me. I have to talk to them.”
“No!” Julian begged. “That’s what the Company wanted! Don’t listen—”
“I’m not their battery anymore,” Maya said. Her voice was suddenly steady, cold. She stared at the melted locket in Julian’s hand, the metal still humming. “I’m the virus.”