The Emma-construct's words hung in the air like a challenge, and I found myself staring into those amber eyes, searching for some hint of deception. But her expression remained completely sincere, as if offering to help me destroy her creator's organization was the most natural thing in the world.
"Help me," I repeated slowly. "You're saying Alyssara wants to help me infiltrate her own cult."
"Oh, absolutely." She moved back to the desk, settling into the high-backed chair with practiced ease. "You see, Arthur, she's learned so much in the past year. About power, about strategy, about what it means to truly love someone." Her smile turned predatory. "And she's realized that the best way to keep you close is to give you exactly what you think you want."
