"F**k!"
The exclamation tore out of Xavier before he could stop it, sharp and unguarded, as the evolutionary path window collapsed and folded shut directly in front of his eyes. The realization landed a half-second too late — he should have asked Zerin how long the process would take before confirming the selection. Should have gathered at least that much information before committing.
But the window was closed. The choice was made. There was no mechanism in the universe for undoing what had already been locked in.
He turned his head toward where Zerin stood in the distance and managed to get the words out before anything else could interrupt him.
"Zerin. Watch over me. Don't let anyone get—"
The sentence never finished.
It was as if something had reached inside him and pulled a lever.
