Page 151

I know he's right. Unity's Project Duality represents everything my mother fought against—forced modification, controlled evolution, adaptation as a weapon rather than a gift.

Yet the thought of walking into that circle, of potentially sacrificing myself for a vision I never chose to be part of...

The chamber door opens again. This time, it's Vex who enters.

"Defense perimeter is established," he reports. "But it won't hold against Unity's full assault force."

"I know," I acknowledge.

His gaze shifts to the circle of waiting Haven children, then back to me. "So this is it. The great Haven secret. Modification for the masses."

"Offering choice," I correct. "Not forcing it. There's a difference."

"A significant one," he agrees, surprising me. "After what Unity did to me...choice would have changed everything."

The admission strikes me deeply. Vex, with his forced predator adaptations, understands the importance of consent in a way few others could.

"But it might kill you," he adds, amber eyes intense. "This protocol."

"Maybe," I admit.

"So don't do it," he says directly. "Live to fight another day."

Trent shifts slightly beside me. "Unity won't stop hunting. Not now."

"So we keep running," Vex counters. "Find another way."

They stand on either side of me, these two men who represent such different paths yet who've both chosen to standwith me regardless. Sentinel and Splinter. Control and adaptation. My past and a future I never expected.

"There is no other way," I say finally, the realization settling with surprising clarity. "This is exactly what my mother designed me for, to offer choice rather than coercion. To be the bridge between worlds."

I look at the waiting circle, at Lily's hopeful silver eyes watching me from her position, at Michael standing tall despite everything he's endured at Unity's hands.

"I need to do this," I tell them both. "Not because I was designed for it, but because I choose it. Because offering people the chance to adapt on their own terms is worth the risk."

Trent nods, acceptance in his eyes despite the worry I can see beneath. "Then we'll be here, whatever happens."

"Both of us," Vex confirms. His hand touches my arm briefly. "Good luck, Flutterby."

I take a deep breath and turn back toward the circle. Naomi watches expectantly as I approach the empty pedestal, my crystal pulsing faster as I near it.

"I'll do it," I announce. "But on one condition."

"Name it," Naomi says immediately.

"When this is over—if it works, if we survive—no more designing children for specific purposes. No more deciding their genetic destiny without consent. Haven becomes about true choice or it becomes nothing."

Surprise registers on her face, followed by something like respect. "Your mother would be proud of that condition. And I accept it."

I step into position at my designated place in the circle. The other Haven children watch me with expressions ranging from solemn determination to nervous anticipation. Lily offers an encouraging smile from across the circle, her silver eyes bright with hope despite the danger.

"The protocol requires physical connection to your crystal,"Naomi instructs, moving to the circle's center. "Place your hand on it when I give the signal."

I look at my crystal, pulsing now in perfect synchronization with the others, creating a visible rhythm throughout the chamber. The culmination of my mother's work, the purpose for which I was hidden in Unity all those years ago.

My gaze finds Trent and Vex one last time, standing together near the chamber entrance despite their differences. Whatever happens in the next few minutes, I know they'll be there when it's over, either to celebrate success or to mourn what might have been.

"Unity forces approaching eastern perimeter," Marcus announces from the communication station. "Estimated breach in ninety minutes."