The Source Code to Carnal Chemistry

"We're going to get arrested," Vaela whispers, breathless with laughter, high heels in one hand

"We own the security," Thalos replies, scanning his keycard at an access panel. "Well… I do."

Moonlight slices through the sleek glass exterior of the Virellin Innovations campus on the outskirts of Alfenhirst. A soft mist lingered over the pristine pathways as Vaela and Thalos dash across the marble lobby, giggling like teenagers sneaking into a school dance.

They pass through a sealed door and into a vast corridor pulsing with pale-blue light. It feels like stepping into the bloodstream of a sleeping beast. Silent, humming and fully aware.

"This is where the real work happens," Thalos says proudly as they enter a minimalist control room lined with floating holograms and floor-to-ceiling displays of cascading data.

He steps into the center of the room and clears his throat. "Eris? I'm home."