Chapter 82
Layla looked up at the sky over Unrill City, deep in thought. "I think she’s more than just an asset. She’s not our enemy, that’s for sure. But is she really on our side? Not sure."
Karl stared at her. "She said she just wants to have fun and get entertained. You buy that?"
Layla shrugged. "In this world? Anything’s possible. But one thing’s for sure—someone who’s been around that long probably has a lot of secrets."
Karl nodded slowly, agreeing. "I just hope those secrets don’t come back to bite us."
Layla gave him a little pat on the shoulder. "We don’t know what’s gonna happen. But right now, maybe we have to trust her. We need her, Karl. And she knows it."
Karl stared at the sparkling city, trying to convince himself. The next storm would hit soon, and they had to be ready.
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The Next Morning
Mornings in Unrill were just as crazy as the nights. The hum of electric vehicles mixed with automatic announcements blasting from holographic screens on the streets. Valencia’s apartment, way up above all that noise, felt like a whole other world. Karl sat at the dining table, staring at the digital map on his tablet.
Layla walked in, holding a cup of coffee. "So, you ready to get revenge for me, Karl?" she asked, all fired up.
Karl closed his eyes, fingers tightening on the table. "Layla," he said, his voice heavy, "I’m not sure I’m ready for this."