The sky was awash with lavender and gold when Sophie stepped out onto the balcony. She wore a navy robe and carried her tablet tucked beneath one arm.

Today wasn’t about survival.

It was about stepping forward.

Her tribunal testimony had made global headlines. Phoenix’s MirrorGhost system was trending as one of the most transparent data ecosystems ever built.

But something in her felt... hesitant.

Alexander appeared in the doorway, hair tousled, coffee in hand.

“You’re up early,” he said.

“Big day,” she murmured.

He moved beside her. “You nervous?”

“Not nervous. Just aware. Every time I speak now, it isn’t just about Phoenix. It’s about me. My voice, my...