The ground shifts beneath them.
Slow.
Like something beneath the floor is moving.
Jonas steps back.
"Please tell me that's normal."
Elias shakes his head.
"It's not."
The clocks around the room begin turning again.
Tick.
Tick.
Tick.
But faster now.
Too fast.
Aria whispers.
"…the room is reacting."
Lena nods slowly.
"This place measures time."
Kael frowns.
"Measures what exactly?"
Lena's answer is quiet.
"Choices."
Jonas blinks.
"Excuse me?"
The creature raises its arm again.
A circle of glowing symbols appears on the floor.
Surrounding them.
Aria feels the air tighten.
"What is this?"
The creature speaks.
"A stabilization protocol."
Future Kael laughs bitterly.
"You mean execution."
The symbols pulse brighter.
Elias studies them quickly.
"…these are old."
"Older than the Keepers."
Jonas sighs.
"Great."
"Ancient murder technology."
Suddenly—
A loud metallic door slams somewhere in the distance.
Everyone turns.
Kael's eyes narrow.
"We're not alone."
Footsteps echo through the tunnels beyond the room.
Heavy.
Disciplined.
Jonas groans.
"Oh come on."
The creature whispers.
"They have arrived."
Aria feels her stomach drop.
"The Keepers."
Lena shakes her head slowly.
"No."
More footsteps.
More than before.
Kael whispers.
"…then who?"
A voice answers from the dark hallway.
Cold.
Familiar.
"Backup."
Orion steps into the room.
Black coat.
Silver watch glowing in his hand.
And behind him—
Dozens of armed agents.
But they are not Keepers.
Jonas whispers.
"…oh that's worse."
Orion smiles slightly.
"Hello again, Kael."