The chamber vibrated with raw energy as Ava's glowing hands cast fractured shadows against the cold, steel walls. Red alarms screamed, and the air thickened with the scent of ozone and burning circuits. The hum of ancient machinery crescendoed into a roar, filling the space like a furious beast awakening from slumber.
Dr. Voss's eyes glittered with cruel anticipation. "Show me, Ava. Unleash the power you've buried so deep."
Ava's breath hitched, her pulse racing like thunder. The glow in her veins pulsed wildly, threatening to burst free. She could feel the weight of every memory—the experiments, the pain, the stolen childhood—all fueling a storm inside her.
Noah stepped forward, voice steady but urgent. "Control it, Ava. Remember who you are."
The glowing light around Ava's hands flared brighter, illuminating every scar and line etched on her face by years of silence and survival. Her mind raced through fragments of forgotten training, whispered commands, and the brutal lessons learned in the depths of Winterglass.
With a sudden cry, Ava released a blast of energy that shattered the reinforced glass pods lining the chamber, sending shards raining like crystal rain. The blast rippled through the air, rattling Voss's composure for a fleeting second.
But Voss recovered quickly, raising a device pulsing with dark energy. "You're strong, but you cannot win. This ends now."
The device emitted a shrill pulse, aiming directly at Ava. Her vision blurred as the wave of energy struck her chest. She staggered, pain exploding through her like wildfire.
Noah lunged, firing his weapon at Voss, but the doctor vanished into the shadows—a ghost in the machine.
Luca grabbed Ava's arm, steadying her. "You're stronger than he knows. We have to keep moving."
Ava nodded, swallowing the burning pain. Her eyes blazed with fierce determination.
"We finish this," she whispered, voice raw but resolute. "For the ones they forgot."
As the chamber trembled, the shattered veil of lies began to tear—exposing the darkness beneath.
To be continued...