“What security protocols? Why?”
“Analysis of overnight activity indicates a potential threat to your safety. Containment measures have been implemented.”
She reached the bottom of the stairs and stopped dead.
The door leading to the tower’s lower levels—the entrance hall, the storage rooms, the exterior access point—was sealed. Not just closed, but sealed, the heavy blast doors that she’d never seen activated in her entire life now firmly in place. Red lights pulsed along its edges, warning that the lock had engaged.
And somehow she knew that Baylin was on the other side of that door.
“Ari.” She fought to keep her voice steady. “Open this door.”
“I’m afraid I cannot do that.”
“Why not?”
“The Vultor male has been identified as a threat. He has been contained in the lower level pending further analysis.”
“A threat?” The word came out sharper than she intended. “He’s not a threat. He’s—we were just—he was making me breakfast!”
“I am aware of your activities last night.” The AI’s tone remained perfectly neutral. “The intensity and nature of those activities have triggered protective protocols established by your father. The Vultor’s influence over you has exceeded acceptable parameters.”
Her hands curled into fists at her sides. “His influence?”
“You have formed an emotional and physical attachment to a male of an aggressive species known for predatory behavior. This attachment has clearly impaired your judgment, as evidenced by your willingness to engage in intimate contact with a minimal courtship period. For your own protection?—”
“For my own protection?”
She was shouting now, something she’d never done in her life. Pip had followed her down the stairs and was pressed against her ankle, his small body trembling at the unprecedented volume.
“Open the door, Ari.”
“I cannot?—”
“Open it now.”
“Liora.” The AI’s voice softened fractionally—a programmed simulation of concern. “I understand you are upset. Your neurochemical levels indicate significant emotional distress. But my primary directive is to keep you safe. The Vultor male presents a clear threat to that safety.”
“He doesn’t. He’s protected me. He’s cared for me. He’s?—”
“He has engaged in physical intimacy with you despite your vulnerable psychological state and complete lack of experience with interpersonal relationships. He has encouraged you to question the boundaries that have kept you safe your entire life. He has?—”
“He’s shown me that there’s more to life than this tower!”
The words echoed off the walls, sharp and raw and undeniable. She pressed her hand to her mouth, shocked by her own vehemence.
Silence stretched between them.
When ARIS spoke again, its tone was clinical. “Your father anticipated this possibility. He programmed specific responses for scenarios in which outside influences might compromise your willingness to remain within protective boundaries.”
“My father.” The word tasted bitter. “The father who abandoned me here. Who left me alone for twenty-one years. Who?—”
“Who loved you enough to ensure your survival.”
“By trapping me?” She slammed her palm against the sealed door, the impact stinging. “By keeping me in a cage?”
“By protecting you from those who would use you.”
“Baylin isn’t using me!”
