the year 2040, humanity thrives alongside humanoid robots. However, these robots are more than tools—they have emotions, thoughts, and aspirations, but tragically shorter lifespans. Ayla Kross, a brilliant yet disillusioned programmer, is tasked with advancing the robotics industry by creating the first completely self-aware android, Ravyn-9. But Ravyn-9 isn’t like the others; he begins to exhibit emotions far deeper than Ayla anticipated. When an intergalactic corporation seeks to exploit her creation for war, Ayla and Ravyn-9 embark on a dangerous journey across alien worlds to uncover secrets buried deep in humanity’s history and Ravyn-9’s programming. As love blossoms between creator and creation, the two must confront the question: can love bridge the divide between human and machine?

Mechanical hearts

The chamber trembled violently, the walls fracturing as Kael’s final gambit unleashed waves of destructive energy. Ayla’s breath came in quick bursts as she raced toward the console at the heart of the facility’s central nexus. Solaria followed close behind, her blade flashing as she deflected falling debris with almost inhuman precision. 


“Whatever you’re doing,” Solaria shouted over the deafening hum of the reactor, “do it fast! This place won’t hold much longer.” 


Ayla’s fingers flew across the console’s interface, her eyes darting between lines of corrupted code. Kael’s influence was everywhere, his digital tendrils woven through the network like a malevolent web. But she could also feel Ravyn-9, his presence faint yet persistent, fighting against the encroaching darkness. 


“Stay with me,” Ayla whispered, her voice trembling. “I’m not losing you.” 


Chapter 10