I fought to keep my voice even. “So you paired me to a Red who’s been suspected dead for a decade.” And that was just the start. “You didn’t ask my permission to make the modifications, deliberately avoided telling me they were done, and then sent me off to work undercover in heart of the Citadel.”

“Yes.”

Fucking hell. Tension vibrated through me.

“And then you sent me in to kill the girl I’m paired with, knowing none of it.” I pressed my glasses hard against the bridge of my nose. Her betrayal sparked a hollow, sickening feeling that lodged at my center. I’d trusted her. I’d risked my life by being affiliated with her.

All because I believed she was above this.

Eva was no better than the Seligo.

“I sent you in blind trusting that you’d find the truth and come to your own conclusion.” Eva met my gaze again, but not a hint of remorse flickered there. “I feared you would’ve refused if you knew up front and Quanta’s rescue trumps all else.”

“That wasn’t your decision.” My knuckles cracked.

Cass gripped my shoulder, reminding me she was still at my side. “What does she mean, paired?”

“It’s a genetic matching program.” Even in VR, my mouth felt dry. “It’s meant to stabilize volatile Red Helixes.”

Cassie’s eyes widened. “So, you and this girl…?”

“We’re bonded.” Bonded with Quanta, of all people. The seer. The one Eva had loved like a daughter. The truth gnawed into me.

My life meant nothing to Eva. It never had.

I’d simply been a convenient human with the right connections and genetic codes. She’d manipulated me, hoping I could bring Quanta back to her. Probably hoping that the matched pheromones would override my moral outrage.

Think again. “End the call, Cass.”

“Altair. You can’t leave her.” Panic spiked through Eva’s voice. “Just imagine what they’ve already done to her. Imagine what Nagi will do now. What if your meeting changed her situation? Both of you are in danger.”

I almost laughed. I believed she was worried about Quanta, but that was where it ended. She’d just proven I was disposable.

“Tair?” Cass held up a finger, ready to cut off the line.

“We’re done,” I said. “Don’t contact me again.”

“Alt—” The screen disappeared before Eva could finish.

I sagged. I’d certainly gotten answers. Not the ones I’d wanted, but maybe the ones I needed to hear.

“So you’re in some deep shit, huh?” Cass tapped into her interface and a lounge chair materialized. She sat and kicked up her feet, but her brow furrowed tight as she worked her way through the implications of what she’d heard. “Are you allowed to quit being a Shadow Raven? Just like that?”