An Unexpected Ally

The forest was dark and silent, save for the occasional rustle of leaves as the wind moved through the branches. We had found refuge here, far from the chaos we’d barely escaped. As we caught our breath, tending to our wounds and taking stock of our supplies, a soft chime broke the stillness—a message alert, echoing through the night like a beacon.

Eve was the first to react, her fingers deftly tapping the console to retrieve the message. Her eyes narrowed as she read it, a frown settling on her features. “It’s from Lucius Ravenscroft,” she announced, disbelief lacing her tone.

Lucius Ravenscroft, a name spoken in hushed tones throughout the virtual realm. He was a man of influence and mystery, a player in the intricate game of power that ruled our world. And now, he was reaching out to us.

“Why would Lucius contact us?” Sasha asked, skepticism clear in her voice. “He’s part of the establishment we’re fighting against.”