Chapter 21: The Face of Control
Elara didn't flinch as Damon stepped closer.
The guards raised their rifles, but Damon raised a hand. "No need for theatrics. Let her speak."
"You're sick," Elara said quietly, fury boiling beneath her skin. "You built lives just to break them. Played god."
"I built order," he replied. "You were a failed prototype. You were supposed to forget. But instead, you evolved."
He sounded fascinated. Proud, even.
Killian moved to her side, gun aimed. "She's not your weapon."
"No," Damon said, his voice low. "She's something far more dangerous now—free will wrapped in rage."
Behind them, Declan's voice came through the comms. "I've got the server unlocked. I'm copying everything. Two minutes."
Damon's face twitched. "You won't leave this island alive."
Elara took a step forward. "Maybe not. But your secrets will."
He laughed. "Then let's make this quick."
Suddenly, the lights cut out. A loud hum followed—Declan's EMP had hit. The guards shouted, blind in the dark.
Elara surged forward, striking fast—one down, two. Killian followed, swift and precise.
In the chaos, Damon disappeared into the lower corridor.
"I'm going after him!" Elara shouted.
"Elara—wait!" Killian called, but she was already gone.
She chased Damon through the labyrinth of halls until she reached a sealed chamber. Inside, flickering monitors lit his silhouette.
"You want answers?" he said, turning to face her. "Then it's time to remember everything."
And with a push of a button, the room locked shut.