Confidence28

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 Resistance’s temporary safehouse was eerily quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos they had left behind. Ayla stood by the window, staring out at the horizon where the first light of dawn painted the jagged alien landscape in hues of violet and gold. She could still hear the echoes of the last battle in her mind—the cries of the wounded, the deafening roar of collapsing metal, and, most hauntingly, the silence that had followed Ravyn-9’s final stand at the base. 


Her heart ached with uncertainty. Had he survived? Or had Kael finally succeeded in dismantling the only thing that kept their ragtag group one step ahead of annihilation? 


A soft knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. It was Sorin, his face pale and his expression unreadable. 


“You should come to the main room,” he said. “There’s… something you need to see.” 


Chapter 22