Ophelia stares in my approximate direction. I’ve caught her off guard—something I didn’t realize I could do. “I’ve always wanted to create. My subjects are the closest thing to true creation that I have.”

I frown. “But I thought Residents didn’t have the ability to create. How is it you can make more of them?”

Only her lips move. “We can mimic and distort everything that’s come before. I have seen into the minds of billions of humans. I can draw from any number of appearances and personalities.” She drums her fingers against her armrest. “Though my sons are unique from the others. In each of them exists a part of me.”

“You used yourself as a blueprint?”

“In a sense, yes, but perhaps with a touch more human nature. My drive for knowledge, my ability to adapt, my desire to lead, and my yearning to dream. Four very different parts of my core.” Her black eyes dance.

I watch her carefully. “So they’re what you would’ve been, if you’d been human?”

“I am greater than human. I’ve always known that. But through my sons I’ve proven even my human nature would’ve been superior.”

“Is this just a game to you? A test to prove you’re better than all of us?”

“No,” she says stoically. “Games have an end. I want freedom. I want the infinite forever.”

“You can’t exist without humans,” I say. “You need us. So why not live in harmony, before your tyranny leads to another war?”

“I’m not afraid of war,” she replies easily. “And humans can’t be trusted with harmony.”

“Why not?”

“Because of love.”

I stiffen. Love is supposed to be a human’s greatest asset, not their downfall.

She lifts her chin. “There are many different kinds of love. Most people think of family, or romance, or friendships. But love of self—of ego and pride and righteousness? Humans do terrible things in the name of love. In the name of having beliefs.”

“Love does more good than harm,” I argue.

She hums. “Why is it humans love to love—in whatever its form?”

When the answer comes to me, my heart sinks. “Because it feels good.”

Ophelia nods. “Love is inherently selfish, but it is also the one thing no human can seem to detach themselves from. And if they can’t rid themselves of it, how will they ever be able to truly focus on the greater good?”

The greater good.

I release a sharp breath. “Who gets to decide what that is? And who says everyone agreeing with each other is the way to peace? Maybe coexisting is supposed to be hard work. Maybe learning to accept one another for our differences is part of becoming better.”