The Kaelzar emperor looked at her, silent for a few seconds. He studied her face, not the code or circuitry beneath, but the face she had chosen for herself. Then, he let out a long, deep sigh, not of annoyance, but of something closer to regret.
"So... it seems you've already sensed it," he said slowly. "You've noticed you're different from the others… different from the rest of the Kaelzars. I suppose it was only a matter of time before you asked. Especially with how you've been treating your sister lately."
He stood up and walked a few steps forward, placing his fading hand gently on one of the glowing trees. The bark pulsed faintly beneath his touch, like an echo of life that once was.
"You were never meant to be like the others, Cleo. You were our first... and last... true hybrid prototype."
He turned to face her again; his expression remained unreadable but far more serious now.
