Chapter 16: Ghosts in the Machine

Avery sat in her ethics class, her mind far away from the lesson. Her phone buzzed softly in her pocket. The message from her father, "Urgent meeting," was clear. Her heart pounded as she left the classroom, her footsteps echoing in the empty hall. Nothing good could come from this.

When she arrived at the safe house, it was in chaos. Marcus paced the room, his face showing worry and anger. The Architect stood by the window, usually calm but now sharply aware.

"What's happening?" Avery asked, locking the door behind her.

Marcus's eyes were troubled as he turned to her. "She's back, Avery. Nikolai Volkov."

Although Avery didn't know who Nikolai Volkov was, the reactions of the people in the room made it clear that it was bad news. "Who is he?" Avery asked, trying to keep her voice steady.