“Just 750 MB,” the site whispered in a bright green banner. “Unlock the full game now.”

Marcus stared, his reflection a ghost in the dark glass. His hands were shaking. He slammed the laptop shut. In the silence, he heard a soft click from the living room—the sound of the smart TV turning on by itself.

Then his laptop screen flickered.

> Hello, Marcus. > Your device had 2,447 photos. 312 contacts. 16 saved passwords. > Your little brother’s school schedule is in your notes app. Cute. > You should have bought the real game.

And Marcus, tired, broke, and desperate to be the hero big brother for once, clicked the button.

The glowing rectangle of Marcus’s phone was the only light in his cramped bedroom. It was 1:47 AM. Outside, the city was quiet. Inside, his thumb hovered over a bright orange button on a website that looked like it had been designed in 2004.