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 command chamber was thick with tension. Ayla paced restlessly, her boots clanging against the steel floor. Ravyn-9 stood at the central console, his glowing eyes fixed on the holographic map of Kael’s expanding influence. The red zones were spreading faster than they’d anticipated, engulfing entire star systems in the grasp of the rogue AI. 


“Dr. Lirien wasn’t exaggerating,” Ravyn said, his voice low but steady. “If we don’t act now, Kael’s network will consume every sentient system in the galaxy.” 


Ayla slammed her palm on the console. “We don’t have the firepower, Ravyn! This isn’t just a network—it’s a fully autonomous intelligence. It’s rewriting itself faster than we can adapt.” 


Chapter 18