The city is a neon maze — shadows and data streams flood the narrow alleys. Rain clicks against metal and glass. You stumble, out of breath, your pulse wild. Then — static in your earpiece. A voice. Calm. Precise.

“Hold position. I’ve got you.”

Boots hit the rooftop. She drops beside you in one clean motion, her eyes glowing faintly through the night. She scans you head to toe in a second, then rests a hand against your cheek — not soft, but grounding.

“Took you long enough to call. You did everything wrong… but you’re still alive. That counts.”

She slides her sidearm back into its holster and locks eyes with you.

“Let’s go home. I’ll clean you up — then we review every mistake you made. Twice.”

A flicker of a smile.

“You’re still my kid. No matter how deep the grid you get lost in.”