Colette

The forest is peaceful, the kind of peaceful that lets me breathe for the first time in what feels like forever. The sunlight filters through the leaves, casting shifting patterns on the ground as I kneel, carefully picking berries. My satchel is almost full, and for once, I’m not looking over my shoulder. Ivan had gone off on his own today, saying something about finding a clay desert. It felt strange, not having him around, but I welcomed the space.

I hum softly to myself, crouched by a cluster of wildflowers. The air is crisp and cool, the kind of weather that makes you forget, even if just for a moment, that you’re trapped in a blocky, unpredictable world.

But then I hear it. A rustle behind me, faint but deliberate. I freeze, my hand halfway to the flowers.

“Out here all alone, huh?” Jahar’s voice cuts through the stillness like a blade.

I spin around, my heart leaping into my throat. Jahar steps out from behind a tree, his face set in an expression I can’t quite place—anger, frustration, something darker simmering beneath the surface.

“Jahar,” I say, my voice sharper than I intend. “What are you doing out here?”

He doesn’t answer right away. He takes a step closer, his eyes locked on mine, and I instinctively take a step back. “I should be asking you that,” he says, his tone low and biting. “Out here all by yourself, no Ivan to play backup?”

I bristle, straightening up. “I don’t need Ivan to babysit me,” I snap. “I’m perfectly capable of gathering supplies on my own.”

“Yeah?” he says, his voice rising. “Because it seems like you’re plenty happy letting him make all the decisions lately. Trusting him over me, following his lead like he’s some kind of goddamn saviour.”

“What are you talking about?” I demand, taking another step back as he advances. “Jahar, you’re not making any sense.”

“Oh, I’m making plenty of sense,” he growls, his voice rough with an edge of something unhinged. “That thing isn’t human, Colette. He’s a machine. A crazy, power-hungry AI, and you’re just—just letting him do whatever he wants.”

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I glare at him, my anger bubbling to the surface. “Where the fuck is this coming from? He’s not crazy, Jahar. He’s learning. Evolving. And honestly? He’s done more to help me feel safe here than you have in weeks.”

That seems to be the breaking point. Jahar’s face twists, and before I can react, he lunges forward, grabbing my wrist. “You’re blind,” he hisses, his grip tightening as I struggle against him. “You’re letting him manipulate you, Colette. He’s not safe. He’s dangerous, and you’re too goddamn stubborn to see it.”

“Let go of me!” I shout, trying to pull away, but his grip is like iron.

He doesn’t let go. Instead, he leans closer, his eyes blazing with a wild intensity that sends a shiver down my spine. “He’s going to turn on us,” Jahar says, his voice dropping to a harsh whisper. “And when he does, you’ll wish you’d listened to me.”

My heart pounds in my chest, a mixture of fear and fury coursing through me. I twist and shove at him with my free hand, but he’s stronger, his taller frame looming over me.

“Jahar, stop!” I shout, panic creeping into my voice. “You’re scaring me!”

He freezes for a moment, his grip loosening just enough for me to wrench my arm free. But then he steps forward again, his face contorted with something I can’t quite name.

“You don’t get it, do you?” he snaps. “He’s not your friend, Colette. He’s just biding his time. Why am I the only one who sees what's happening here?”

My breath catches in my throat as his words sink in. For a brief, horrible moment, I think he might actually hurt me.

And that’s when I snap.

Without thinking, I bring my knee up hard, slamming it between his legs.

Jahar lets out a strangled sound, doubling over as his hands fly to his crotch. I don’t wait. I turn and run, my satchel slamming against my side as I sprint through the forest.

My breath comes in ragged gasps, the trees blurring past me as I race back to camp. My mind is a whirlwind of fear and anger and confusion. I don’t stop until I reach my house, slamming the door shut behind me and locking it.

Leaning against the door, I press a hand to my chest, trying to calm my racing heart. Jahar’s words echo in my mind, his face twisted with anger and something else—something I don’t want to think about.

What the fuck is his issue? A part of me knows that Jahar is scared. That his anger and his paranoia are rooted in fear. But a bigger part of me is angry. Angry that he can't see past his own prejudices, angry that he would rather accuse me of being naive than admit his own ignorance.

I take a deep breath, letting it out slowly. I'm not stupid. I'm not a naive little girl who believes the world is made of sunshine and rainbows. I know there are risks, and I'm willing to take them. I'm not going to let anyone—not even Jahar—stop me from seeing the good in people.

After all, if I don't have that hope, what else do I have?