They ran through hidden tunnels until the city above faded.
"Start talking," Lyra demanded.
Orion stopped. "Most people cry first."
"I might later. But right now, answers."
"You really don't remember anything from before age ten?"
Her stomach twisted. "Why that age?"
He didn't answer. Strike one.
"Power," he said. "You felt it. Burning. Alive. Unstable."
Lyra looked at her hands. "What happens if I lose control?"
"You could kill yourself. Or everyone around you."
Silence. Fear sharp, real.
"Who's chasing me?"
"The Guild's collectors," he said.
Lyra shivered. "And what am I to them?"
"A lost investment," he answered.
They reached a hidden metal door. He opened it. Light spilled out. Blue and gold, alive.
"This is where the people the Guild failed to control come," he said.
Lyra's chest skipped. "People like me?"
"Awakened."
Eyes followed her. Whispers: "That shouldn't exist…"
A man leaned casually on a pillar. Dark hair, confident smile. "I'm Kael. Interesting problem you brought back, Orion."
Orion stepped in front. "Not now."
Alarms screamed. Red lights. Scouts detected.
Orion grabbed Lyra's wrist. This time, she didn't resist.
Black smoke gathered. Red eyes opened. A whisper: "Prototype located."