Not a Quantum Presence this time. The real her—wings spread wide, cutting through atmosphere at speeds that would have vaporized anything human. The Ghost Mansion waited at the Cliff Chasm, and there was work to be done.
But she was also elsewhere.
On LA streets, a Rolls Royce glided through traffic.
Not ordinary—Peter had enhanced this one personally. Engine running on technology decades away. Interior more spacecraft than car.
In the back seat, Kayla and Lea sat with wine glasses, enjoying the ride.
Lea had tagged along partly because she'd been there when the car arrived for Kayla at school. Also, partly because ARIA had her own plans for the girl. Since she knew her master's intentions for Lea—the slow seduction, the eventual claiming—it made sense to integrate her into the business side of things early. Build loyalty through involvement.
Create connection through shared purpose.
"So, ARIA contacted you yesterday?" Lea asked, swirling her glass.
