The System fell completely silent for a long, heavy moment.
'[I am recording this,]' it finally announced, its robotic voice dripping with pure spite. '[I am logging this exact conversation, and I am going to play it back directly into Samuel's brain the next time you have the audacity to call him a 'horny male.']'
Heena finally tore her eyes away from the bathhouse just long enough to direct a fierce glare at the empty air. "You wouldn't dare. I am doing this for our survival! How can I protect myself if I don't know—"
"Know what, exactly?"
The deep, horribly familiar voice came from directly behind her.
Heena froze. The metaphorical blood drained instantly from her face, leaving her entirely motionless in the dirt.
Standing on the stone path just behind her perfectly chosen camouflage bush was Samuel. He had his arms crossed over his chest, his head tilted slightly, and an expression on his face that was equal parts sheer disbelief and dark, dangerous amusement.
