LOCATION: VAULT OMEGA – INFIRMARY TIER

TIME: 12:06 a.m.

Lucien bled from the shoulder.

The child had slashed him once clean before freezing.

Not confused.

Not afraid.

Just… still.

Solene stood in front of the boy now, between him and Lucien.

Eyes locked on her own mirrored face.

He was small. Pale. Silent.

But something inside him flickered.

Recognition?

Or pre-programmed obedience?

“Do you know who I am?” Solene asked.

He tilted his head.

Then whispered:

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