The storage-room door opened only halfway before Ash pushed Palo behind him, shielding him completely.
The two children pressed against Palo, trembling.
A figure filled the doorway.
Tall.
Composed.
Wearing a long, dark coat that looked too modern for this forgotten place.
The Director.
Their face was calm, almost gentle—but their eyes were sharp, too observant, carrying a cold familiarity that made Palo's stomach twist.
"Palo," the Director said quietly. "You've grown."
Ash stepped forward. "Stay back."
The Director didn't seem threatened. "You must be the one who brought him here."
Ash's jaw tightened. "He walked in on his own."
The Director tilted their head. "Did he?"
Palo stepped forward despite Ash's outstretched arm.
"I didn't choose to come back."
A faint smile tugged at the Director's mouth.
"No. You didn't. But the connection always pulls the pieces together eventually."
Calder finally found his voice.
"You were supposed to be gone. The council disbanded this entire project."
The Director glanced at him in mild amusement.
"You should know better, Dr. Calder. Nothing ends until we say it ends."
Palo felt the children inch closer to him, small hands gripping his sleeve.
The Director's gaze flicked to them. "Ah. Survivors."
Ash moved immediately, blocking their view. "Leave them alone."
"I have no interest in harming them," the Director replied calmly. "In fact, they are the reason we're able to continue. Their connection to Palo is vital."
Palo felt a tight coldness in his chest.
"What do you want with me?"
"The same thing we wanted before you escaped," the Director said. "Your mind is the key. You saw what others could not."
"I was a child," Palo whispered.
"You still are," the Director said lightly. "But the formation is nearing completion. With you here, we can finally finish what we started."
Ash stepped forward, voice low. "You're not taking him anywhere."
The Director regarded him for a long moment.
"A boy trying to protect another boy. Touching. But unnecessary."
Ash stiffened.
The air felt colder.
The Director stepped back, placing one hand on the doorframe.
"There are other parts of the facility awakening. Rooms you've forgotten. Rooms Palo has always remembered, even when he didn't realize."
Palo clenched his fists. "I don't remember anything."
"That's the problem," the Director said softly. "But you will."
They began to walk away.
"Wait," Palo called out.
The Director paused without turning.
"Yes?"
"What do you mean by formation?"
A quiet chuckle echoed through the hall.
"You'll find out. The moment all of you are together again."
And then they disappeared into the corridor.
---