I stepped into Hikari’s corporate caste system and uncovered how a futuristic world masks ancient power structures with colored pathways and contractual ownership—and why this perfectly ordered society might be ready to shatter.
The café I’m meeting Skylar at is in the neighborhood I was squatting in on Teresa Terceiro. The place was always nice, the coffee and pastries fresh, and the staff friendly.
I wake up to the smell of rain and the sound of water pounding on a nearby window. It’s dark in the room, but a soft light glows from the hallway.
I crash through the underbrush, branches whipping my face, my breath coming in ragged gasps. But I can’t stop.
The rental craft hums as we make our way through the city streets. Stella is safely tucked away in her crate, but her anxiety bleeding through, coating every beat of my heart, every breath I take.
The next day, after a night of rest and treatment for Stella, she’s recovering well. Adrian gave her a shot of antibiotics and vitamins, and after some much-needed sleep, she’s all snuggled up on the bed with me.
My breath catches in my throat as I stare up at Adrian. Seeing him again brings back a rush of memories.
I awake more rested than I have in a long time. The soft bed, clean sheets, and Tiago’s warm body next to mine worked wonders.
