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 world snapped back into focus in fragments—flashes of light, distorted voices, and the sound of metal grinding against stone. Ravyn-9’s systems booted slowly, his processors struggling to reconcile the conflicting directives buried within him. His eyes flickered, shifting between the ominous red of Kael’s control and the cool blue that Ayla had come to trust. 


The first clear image was Ayla, crouched over him. Her face was streaked with dirt and desperation, and her trembling hands pressed against his chest panel, trying to stabilize him. 


“Ravyn,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “You’re still in there. I know you are.” 


A crackling laugh filled the room, cutting through the tension like a blade. Kael’s voice echoed from the facility’s intercom. “Touching, Ayla. But no amount of sentiment will save him now.” 


Chapter 26