The next memories don’t make much sense. Running through twisting hallways. Then, I’m standing on a street, in front of a house, but I’m indoors.

Then I’m outside again. I have an image of cats—not baku cats like Jinx, but real ones.

I wish I could understand what it all means.

At half past six, I drag myself out of bed.

>>Want to know the plan for the day, Lacey?

There’s no quip from Slick. No gag. No snark. Just my companion, my little level one beetle baku, doing exactly what he was programmed to do, obediently awaiting my commands, ready to help me—not only to tell me about my day, but to help me navigate through the world at large.

I give the slightest nod to Slick, and he buzzes around me, projecting my calendar and scrolling through my messages and social media.

There are a bunch of overdue homework alerts, automatically sent through by Profectus, that threaten to overwhelm me; a notification about an single-line update to the baku terms and conditions; several news alerts about the latest antics of a celebrity I’d previously subscribed to. I brush them all away, feeling an overriding sense of sadness. I miss Jinx’s familiarity. I would take his quips and personality over Slick’s efficiency any day. Jinx never laid out my schedule or reminded me about a math test. Those things might be useful, but they aren’t what I want. I know I shouldn’t be judging my little baku. He’s doing exactly what he was designed to do. He’s making my life easier.

But I don’t want a personal assistant. I want my friend.

>>With the bad weather in the forecast and traffic ahead, I suggest you leave for school twenty minutes earlier than usual.

I groan, but I roll out of bed. I feel much better after a weekend of rest, and I don’t want to be late. I’ll need to ask for a grant so I can upgrade to a level three baku, as the rules of Profectus are clear that I have to have one. I also can’t wait to see Tobias and the rest of the team. They’re the only students at Profectus who know the truth: that Jinx was something more than an ordinary baku.

When I ask Slick to reveal the messages from Team Tobias, I’m bombarded by voicenotes and texts.

ASHLEY: Hi Lacey! Toby said you might not pick up these messages for a while, but I hope you’re okay. I was so worried when I heard you were in a coma. I’ve organized someone to take notes in all your classes so you won’t miss a thing. Message me as soon as you’re able!