The scream did not come from Vorn's mouth.
It came from the entire room.
The dark-blue lines beneath his skin lit up at the same time, and the sound passed through stone, bone, and energy as if the function itself were protesting the decision.
Vorn fell onto both hands.
The chains struck the floor.
Ester stepped forward.
Xue Lian grabbed her.
"Don't touch him."
"He's collapsing."
"It isn't him."
Vorn screamed.
This time through his mouth.
The lines began moving beneath his skin.
Not like veins.
Like something searching for a way out.
Damon instinctively stepped back when his own mark responded.
"It's coming toward me."
Xue Lian looked.
The false Seed on his arm was completely open.
"Return Protocol."
"Again."
Vorn raised his face.
"No..."
Adaptation pulled his body toward Damon.
He dug his fingers into the floor.
"I said no."
The white network answered.
The lines around Vorn's hands grew stronger.
A message appeared.
BEARER REFUSAL CONFIRMED.
