For the first time in years, Silas felt perfectly, utterly still. He had bought exactly what was promised. He had purchased peace in a world that thrived on chaos.

Inside lay the Vibe X3. It was heavier than it looked, made of a polished obsidian-like material that seemed to absorb the harsh fluorescent light of his kitchen. There were no buttons. No charging ports.

The Vibe X3 wasn't playing music. It was broadcasting a state of mind.

He tapped the dashboard, authorizing the final credit transfer. The delivery drone was already en route to the drop pod. The Unboxing