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 air in the fractured ruins was stifling, weighed down by the tang of ionized metal and an oppressive silence that buzzed in Ayla’s ears. She clutched her weapon tightly, scanning the darkened hallways of the derelict structure. Faint echoes of distant machinery pulsed through the walls, a grim reminder that their journey was far from over. 


Beside her, Ravyn-9 stood tall, his glowing core dimmed to a faint pulse, as if he was conserving energy. His faceplate was uncharacteristically blank, devoid of the faint flicker of humanity she had come to recognize. It unnerved her. He hadn’t spoken since they escaped the ambush at Kael’s staging ground, and his silence was like a ghost haunting the space between them. 


“Are you going to tell me what’s wrong?” Ayla finally asked, her voice barely above a whisper. 


Ravyn didn’t turn to face her. His voice, when it came, was low and measured. “It’s nothing you can help with.” 


Chapter 16