Page 149 of GlitchBorn Heart

“Kael.” His voice is calm in the way a serial killer talks to himself after he’s just snuffed someone out. “Do you know why you’re here?”

Yay! A quiz.

I step closer, but not too close. “You said it was urgent, sir.”

“It is.” He flicks his wrist, and the wall behind him lights up with fractured vitals. Eli’s readings. Dead flat in some places, spiking erratically in others. “The anomaly is failing me. He’s unresponsive, spends all of his time in DreamNet, even without a band. You assured me he would be stable, contained, and useful.”

I keep my expression unreadable. “Containment of a VoidChanneler is never stable. You knew that going in.”

His smile twitches. “Don’t play semantics with me, boy. You built the infrastructure this company runs on. If anyone can keep him under control, it’s you.”

Silence hums like a taut wire between us. He hasn’t mentioned that Jett was in the containment sector or Lyra. Damn, I have to hand it to him, SoulReaver is good.

I finally choke out actual words. “I’m sorry, but I was told to stand down on this one, by you.” My finger points right at him. “I’m to observe, study, and offer insightful analysis on the subject. Your words.” I clear my throat anxiously. That was probably too much. “Sir.”

What’s gotten into me?

“You think you can test me?” Vikktor steps around the desk, deliberately, until we’re almost chest-to-chest.

He’s not taller than me, but he is older. I remind myself of years of training, Master Kenji drilling it into me to respect my nenchōsha—elders. Power rolls off him like heat from a furnace. More experienced? Yes. But I’ll never trust him.

And I’ll never be like him.

“Respect for your enemy is based on a rational assessment of their capabilities, not on personal feelings. Underestimating your opponent is a grave strategic error.”

—Master Kenji

Fuck respect.

He underestimates me.

“Let me make something abundantly clear. If Eli slips through my fingers, if I can’t wield what he is, then all of this?” He gestures to the sprawling cityscape outside, the glowing arteries of the Corporation’s reach. “All of this collapses. And if it collapses...so do you.”

I don’t flinch when he leans closer, even though I can feel his breath on my face. “You’re not untouchable, Dr. Ryudon. I may have taken you off the streets and given you everything you’ve ever wanted, but that does not mean you’re invincible. I control this city and you.”

He pulls back, that condescending smile returning. “Do I make myself clear?”

I force the words out evenly, my lips tight behind them. “Yes, sir.”

“Good.” He straightens the lapels of his jacket, as if I’ve just caused him physical exertion. “Now get back to work. Fix him, or I’ll find someone who will.”

I turn for the door, but his parting words freeze me mid-step.

“And Kael? If I sense even a hint of disobedience, I won’t just erase this anomaly. I’ll erase her as well. You know...that little holo-toy you’ve been playing with in the lab.”

57

CursedPower

Playlist: Save Yourself - Stabbing Westward

Kael

Even the lab door hissing, as it shuts behind me, sets me off. The echo of Vikktor’s voice is still ringing in my ears like the last command of a dying machine. His instructions were clear, not a choice, but an order I have to obey.

My hands are steady at my sides, but not for long. Inside, my newfound power builds, begging to flare through the thin fabric of my control.

Vikktor Vosse has lost his way. Once my mentor. Now my boss. Always my leash.