I shrugged as I touched my thumb to my locker’s sensor. “Not by choice.” I’d planned for hours more work tonight, but the party was a necessary sacrifice. I changed my lab goggles for sturdy black frames, and ran fingers through hair that had been pressed under a sterile cap for hours. A shower would’ve been ideal, but I didn’t have time.

“Any news on the position at Doctor Nagi’s lab?” Daria closed her locker, but stood fidgeting.

“Nothing yet.” I’d only spoken with Daria a handful of times, but gossip traveled. Everyone at the lab knew I was being considered for a promotion.

A thrill shot through my fingertips. About damned time. I’d been schmoozing and studying for years trying to get to where the real research was happening. I wouldn’t be able to drop the charade yet, but at least I’d be able to start making a difference—finding out what Doctor Nagi was up to and funneling that information to Lady Eva.

“Your work on Red stabilization is brilliant.” Daria fidgeted some more and twirled a dark curl around her finger. “Just brilliant. I’m sure you’ll be chosen.”

I ignored the not-so-subtle plea in her voice and body language—the way she tilted her hips and pursed her lips, inviting me to get closer. I made a point of knowing my coworkers’ histories. Hers was nothing special. She’d qualified for a Green Helix, proving her scientific aptitude, but lacking family connections, she’d likely spend her career cleaning test tubes. A nice girl. Well-liked. And pretty, thanks to heavy modifications, both genetic and physical. He symmetrical face beamed at me.

None of it was tempting.

Still, it didn’t benefit me to alienate her. “Thanks.” I gave her a tight, professional smile as I closed my locker. “Have a good night.”

Undeterred, Daria followed me out. “Why the rush home? Big plans?”

“A cocktail at the senate.”

She gaped as we passed along a white corridor. “And you don’t think that’s a big deal?”

I understood her awe. Only the upper crust of Seligo society got invited to senatorial events, but I’d ben attending them for all twenty-four years of my life. After that many functions, galas, and meaningless parties, calling myself jaded was an understatement. “I’d rather be working.”

“Of course you would.” A noise of disgust rumbled at the back of her throat. “How are the rest of us supposed to keep up?”

They weren’t. That was the point of my on-going charade. “Keep working. The Seligo reward the worthy.”

“Seems like some of us are worthier than others.”

She wasn’t wrong. I’d been genetically engineered to be successful and groomed to follow the path set out for me—to achieve scientific renown, and then immortality. She couldn’t possibly catch up. The system gave hope, but the real chosen ones were chosen from birth.