Angela's chest tightened.
The cold from before lingered faintly in her shoulder.
"I am the keeper of knowledge," it said. "But there are gaps. Fractures. Points I cannot complete. I cannot connect what I do not fully understand."
Angela swallowed. "…And?"
"You will go with me. To the unfinished past."
Her heart skipped.
"You will see what is missing."
Another step forward.
"And in return…"
A tilt of the head. "You may ask them anything."
The leaves above shifted, their faint glow deepening, as if the entire space were listening.
Angela's gaze flicked back to her holograms.
The figure stood silently, waiting.
Her notes, her lines, her scattered thoughts—everything pointed to one thing.
She was ready.
"…Fine."
Her voice steadied.
"Take me."