Silco had issued a direct order to Sevika: to keep an eye on you.

“Is this really necessary?” you asked, gesturing toward the bandage wrapped around your arm as you quickened your pace. “It’s been three weeks, and I’m perfectly fine. I don’t see why I still have to come back to this wretched place.”

“Silco’s orders.” Her voice was unyielding, leaving no room for debate. There was an unmistakable finality in her tone, signaling that this conversation was over. Her expression was as steely as the metal of her mechanical arm, reinforcing the weight of her words.

You inhaled deeply, fighting the urge to roll your eyes. “Oh, come on. Don’t tell me you actually enjoy playing bodyguard.” you shot back, crossing your arms defiantly. Your voice held a trace of provocation, but the fatigue beneath it was evident. “I know you loathe this job just as much as I do.”

Sevika remained silent, her lack of response almost more grating than the idea of being trailed by her. You bit the inside of your cheek, searching for a fresh angle.

“Well... it's not like I mind the company.” you said, a playful smile flickering across your lips. “I remember you used to enjoy my presence quite a bit.”

That did it. Sevika stopped abruptly in the middle of the street, her posture taut like a coiled spring ready to unleash. When she turned to face you, her eyes blazed with an intensity that thickened the air around her. She took a step closer, her deliberate footsteps echoing against the pavement, forcing you to tilt your head back to meet her fierce gaze.

Oh. If looks could kill you would be dead by now.

“Don’t ever bring that up again.”

You tilted your head slightly, feigning innocence. “Why not? Don’t tell me you never mentioned us to Silco.”

You don't get a response from her as you both walk into Silco's office.