The moment Lilith fell silent, the entire facility dropped into a static hush. Lights flickered, monitors went blank, and even the hum of backup generators stuttered. It was as though reality itself held its breath.

Emma pressed her palms flat against the cold glass of the command center. “Is it gone?” she asked, barely above a whisper.

“No,” Mariana answered grimly. “It’s watching. It’s just... choosing.”

Jack turned from the central interface. “We don’t have time for it ...