Chapter 4: Chapter 4 – Algorithm of Suffering

Evelyn’s eyes fluttered open to a sterile dawn light filtering through gauzy curtains. The villa’s great windows framed the placid lake beyond, but her reflection in the glass—pale, bruised, determined—was all she saw. Her ribs ached, and she rubbed the spot where Lucien had struck her the night before, a phantom of pain against healing skin.

A soft knock sounded at the door. Aria slipped inside, carrying a tray. “Morning, Evelyn. We need to run a blood panel before breakfast.”

Evelyn sat up, wincing. “Already? Does the System schedule my labs now?”

Aria offered a sympathetic smile. “It’s integrated into the biofeedback protocol. Every time the meter advances, the algorithm recommends additional immuno‑profiles to ensure stability—or induce crisis.”

Evelyn’s jaw tightened. “Induce crisis.”