The school gates were made of iron. Black. Wrought. Old. They stood open in the morning light, welcoming students into a courtyard paved with grey stone. It looked like a fortress disguised as a learning institution.
I parked the rover at the curb. I did not turn off the engine immediately. I watched Ash through the rearview mirror. He was adjusting his backpack straps. He looked like any other child. Blue tunic. Dark trousers. Hair combed. But I knew what was under the tunic. The resonance markers Yuki had installed to monitor his levels during the day.
"Ready?" I asked.
He looked up. His eyes were grey. Clear. "Yes."
"You don't have to go," I said. "We can homeschool."
"I want to go," he said. "Ryder is going."
"Ryder is four. He plays in the lower yard."
"I know," Ash said. "I wa
