Part 31 – The Hunt for Dr. Kael

The weight of Elias's words lingered in the air. Dr. Kael. The name sent a shiver down Maya's spine. He was the mastermind, the one who had taken over after the fall of the original experiments.

Arjun crossed his arms. "So where do we start? Elias, do you have any idea where he could be?"

Elias hesitated, flipping through the old journal left behind by Dr. Malhotra. The pages were filled with coded messages, addresses, and strange symbols.

"Dr. Malhotra suspected Kael was hiding in plain sight," Elias finally said. "He mentioned a place… Ravenshade Institute. It's an abandoned research facility outside of town."

Aditya frowned. "Another abandoned place? Why do these scientists always hide in creepy, run-down buildings?"

Maya ignored his remark, her eyes fixed on the journal. "If Malhotra was looking for Kael here, then maybe he found something before he was killed."

Arjun tapped the page. "Then let's go."

Elias looked uneasy. "I don't know if that's a good idea. If Kael is really there, he won't be alone. And if the Cleaners are watching, you might not make it out."

Maya exhaled sharply. "We don't have a choice."

Five days. That was all the time they had before the vision unfolded.

Elias sighed, finally relenting. "Fine. But be careful."

The Journey to Ravenshade Institute

They drove in silence, the road winding through dense, shadowy woods. The air grew colder as they neared the facility, an eerie silence settling over the landscape.

Maya's heartbeat quickened as the looming structure came into view. The Ravenshade Institute stood tall and lifeless, its windows dark, its walls covered in creeping vines.

"This place gives me a bad feeling," Arjun muttered.

Aditya smirked. "You mean worse than the orphanage?"

Ignoring him, Maya stepped forward, pushing open the rusted gate. It creaked loudly, the sound echoing into the night.

As they entered, the smell of dampness and decay filled the air. The halls were lined with old patient files, scattered papers, and broken furniture.

Then, something caught Maya's eye.

A single flickering light down the hallway.

Someone was here.

She turned to the others, whispering, "We're not alone."