Chapter 44

“You, my dear, aren’t just a Tekna. You’re the Tekna."

The words ring in Mia's head like some alien language. It feels as if her mind can't make a decision on how best to react and so it doesn't- she just stares ahead with a numb expression on her face.

Joseph means every word he's just said. Of that, Mia has no doubt; and the intense look in his eyes even then supports it, but not wanting to let herself be upended, she puts on her best mocking smile.

“Wow, Joseph!" she says. "That sounds an awful lot like admiration.”

“That’s because it is,” he returns.

Before Mia can fully vibe the situation though, Joseph suddenly pulls out a gun and points it squarely in her face. “I’m going to do whatever it takes to keep you with me, Mia," he says, "even if you have to be in a cryogenic coffin for that to happen.”

Mia's expression takes on that vi