Aluna read the message three times.
The words did not change.
But their meaning did.
He didn’t just protect you. He stole you.
And I’m going to take you back.
Take you back.
Back from who?
Back to what?
Her pulse roared in her ears.
She had never belonged to anyone before Arka.
At least, that was what she believed.
Her fingers trembled as she typed.
Who are you?
The reply came instantly.
Someone who knew you before he rewrote you.
Her breath caught painfully.
Rewrote.
The word hit deeper than control.
Deeper than protection.
Because rewriting meant erasing.
What had he erased?
Footsteps approached down the hallway.
Measured.
Heavy.
Her heart jumped.
She locked the phone immediately.
The door did not open.
But she felt him there.
Outside.
Listening.
Protecting.
