The car moved swiftly through the slick streets, rain streaking the windshield. Evan’s hands gripped the steering wheel tighter than necessary, his knuckles pale. Travis sat beside him, calm as always, his eyes scanning the road and mirrors alike.“Where exactly are you taking me?” Evan finally asked, his voice low, almost a growl.“A place where no one can follow us,” Travis said, glancing briefly at him. “A safe zone. Once we arrive, I’ll explain more than I ever could back there.”Evan laughed bitterly. “Safe zone? There’s nothing safe about this! I’ve spent my whole life not knowing who I am, and suddenly, I’m part of some… some secret lineage, some game I didn’t ask to play.”“Game?” Travis echoed, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Evan, what you call a game is a world most people never even glimpse. Mirevault… it’s not just a name. It’s a network, a legacy, a responsibility. And yes, it’s dangerous—but you can’t understand the weight of that yet.”Evan’s jaw tigh

Evan’s fists clenched as the towering shadow figure advanced, its form shifting like smoke in the dim hall. Every step it took made the floor vibrate beneath him, though he knew it wasn’t real—at least, not physically.“You think courage alone will save you?” the shadow hissed, its voice layered with malice. “You’re nothing without fear to guide you.”“I don’t need fear!” Evan shot back, his voice echoing through the hall. “I’ve faced it before—and I survived. I’ll survive this too!”Travis stepped closer, his presence steadying Evan. “Remember what I told you—focus on what you can control. The shadows only have power if you let them.”Evan nodded, taking a deep breath. “Fine. Then let’s see who has the real power here.”The shadow figure laughed, a sound like grinding metal. “Brave words for a boy who doesn’t even understand what Mirevault demands of him. You want to play with fire, Evan? Let me show you the flames.”Suddenly, the shadows around the pillars erupted into movement, twi

The hall was silent for a moment after the woman’s chilling words. Evan’s heart thudded in his chest, and his fists still glowed faintly from the energy he had summoned earlier. He turned to Travis, eyes sharp.“Travis… what did she mean? Nothing like I imagine? What is she hiding?”Travis’s jaw tightened. “I can’t tell you everything, Evan. Not yet. Some truths… they’re dangerous before you’re ready to face them. But trust me, you’ll need all your strength tomorrow.”Evan took a deep breath, frustration bubbling. “Tomorrow? You mean I have to wait another day to even begin understanding what the hell is going on? I can’t… I can’t wait!”“You will wait,” Travis said firmly. “Because rushing in blind will get you killed. Mirevault isn’t forgiving to those who act without strategy or control.”Evan’s eyes flared. “Control? I’ve spent my whole life under control, being told what to do, how to act, who to trust! And now you expect me to just… sit here while secrets pile up?”Travis’s expr

The hall’s shadows seemed to breathe around Evan, whispering echoes of doubt and fear. His pulse pounded in his ears, his fists still glowing faintly from the energy he had summoned earlier. He turned to Travis, eyes blazing with frustration and confusion.“Travis… tell me—what do they mean by ‘betray everything I believe in’? Vivianne wouldn’t… she couldn’t—”Travis’s jaw tightened, his voice low and measured. “Evan, listen to me carefully. You think you know her, but tomorrow… everything you believe about Vivianne will be challenged. She’s been trained, shaped, and… conditioned in ways you can’t yet comprehend. And the moment you see her true self, you will have to decide who she is to you… and what you’re willing to do.”Evan’s fists clenched tighter, sparks of energy dancing across his knuckles. “Decide? Decide what? I already know—I’ll fight for her! I’ll protect her! I’ll… I’ll love her no matter what!”The cloaked woman stepped closer, her eyes gleaming like black ice. “Love is

The safehouse was silent except for the soft hum of the security systems. Evan sat on the edge of a worn couch, fists clenched, energy still crackling faintly around him. Travis leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.Evan broke the silence first, voice low but tense. “Travis… I can’t stop thinking about it. What if she really is… changed? What if the Vivianne I knew is gone?”Travis stepped closer, gaze piercing. “Evan, you don’t know yet. That’s why you must prepare yourself. Your emotions are strong, yes, but tomorrow… you’ll see things you weren’t ready to imagine. And you must act with clarity, not fear or anger.”Evan’s fists flared again. “Clarity? Travis, I don’t know if I can be clear when I see her… when I see what they’ve done to her. I can’t just… sit there and watch her—”Travis interrupted, calm but firm. “You won’t be sitting, Evan. You’ll be active. You’ll have to make choices, and those choices will define both your fates. That’s the trial. T