The system's warning had already chimed the moment Damien stepped into the room.
[Alert: External influence detected.]
[Warning: Host's mind under attempted intrusion.]
[Source: Unknown external entity attempting to breach cognitive layer.]
It had buzzed at the edge of his thoughts, cold and clinical, yet with a gravity that the system rarely carried. A quiet, flashing signal: Something is trying to get in.
And now, as he stood beneath that pale, suffocating gaze, he knew exactly what it was.
His lips twitched.
Inside, despite the crushing pressure that gnawed at the seams of his soul, Damien was laughing.
Not a calm, measured laugh. A blast. A roaring storm of amusement clawing to break out of his chest. Because of course it had to be her.
