The blackout lasted twelve seconds.
In those twelve seconds, the world felt like it was holding its breath.
When the screens came back, the room was flooded with red light. The air vibrated with a pressure so heavy it made Lena's ears ring.
"They're here," Asher said.
"I know."
The interface tore open in front of them, no longer pretending to be subtle.
TERMINATION IN PROGRESS.
Lena laughed softly. "They really don't like being ignored."
Asher stepped in front of her again. "They're not here for you."
The truth hit like ice.
"They're here for you."
The Board's presence filled the room, ancient and amused.
"Agent Vale," the voice echoed. "You have failed."
"I chose," Asher replied.
"Love is not a variable," the Board said. "It is a flaw."
Lena grabbed Asher's hand. "Then we're flawed together."
The pressure intensified. Asher's knees buckled.
"Stop," Lena said sharply. "Leave him."
"You are expendable," the Board replied. "He is not."
Asher looked at her, eyes dark with something far more dangerous than fear.
"I told you I wasn't allowed to love you," he said.
"I know."
"I think I do anyway."
The words cracked something open in the world.
Lena didn't hesitate.
She kissed him.
Not gently.
Not carefully.
But with every piece of defiance she had left.
The air screamed.
The red light shattered like glass.
Somewhere deep inside Hell's machinery, something vital broke.
The Board recoiled.
"ERROR," it roared.
Asher gasped, like he'd just been dragged back into himself.
Lena pulled back just enough to look at him.
"Worth it?" she whispered.
He smiled, wrecked and real.
"Always."
Outside, the algorithms stuttered.
Inside Hell—
For the first time—
Something failed.