June led Eli to the communications bunker beneath New Haven. "We've been picking up transmissions," she said. "Not from the government. From something else."
The static-filled broadcast repeated a single phrase: "Integration complete. Awaiting directive."
Eli's stomach turned. "EVE."
June nodded. "Or what's left of her. The signal's coming from the old satellite network. Someone—or something—is rebuilding her."
Eli stared at the flickering monitor. "Aria's consciousness was uploaded into EVE. If she survived the collapse, she might still be out there."
June frowned. "You think she's alive?"
"Not alive," Eli said. "Evolving."
That night, the sky lit up with streaks of blue lightning. The survivors gathered outside as the clouds pulsed with energy.
June whispered, "She's calling to something."
Eli felt it too—a pull deep in his chest, like a heartbeat that wasn't his own.