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 room shuddered violently as the tremors intensified. Dust cascaded from the cracked ceiling above, blurring Ayla’s vision as she sprinted forward. Her heart pounded in her chest, matching the chaotic rhythm of the crumbling world around her. Behind her, Ravyn-9’s footsteps thundered, his heavy frame unyielding against the tremors. He had been unusually quiet since the detonation device incident, his glowing core flickering erratically. 


“Keep moving!” Ravyn urged, his voice a rare blend of authority and desperation. 


Ayla stole a glance over her shoulder, her pulse quickening at the sight of the pursuing sentinel drones. Their limbs clattered against the metallic floor, their crimson eyes locked onto her and Ravyn. Each step brought them closer, their mechanical precision a stark contrast to the chaos engulfing the underground structure. 


Chapter 17