Part 32 – The Shadow in the Hallway

Maya's whisper sent a chill down their spines.

Arjun instinctively stepped closer to her, his hand tightening into a fist. Aditya's eyes narrowed as he scanned the dark hallway, the flickering light casting eerie shadows on the cracked walls.

"Could be a malfunctioning bulb," Aditya muttered.

Maya shook her head. "Or someone who doesn't want to be found."

They moved cautiously, their footsteps echoing through the empty corridor. The air was thick with dust, and the scent of mold clung to everything.

As they neared the light, a door stood slightly ajar. Inside, old monitors were stacked against the wall, their screens dark. A desk covered in scattered papers stood in the center, as if someone had left in a hurry.

Maya's eyes darted to the documents. Some were lab reports—data about patients with "unusual cognitive abilities." Others were handwritten notes filled with equations and symbols she didn't understand.

Then she saw it.

A file labeled "PROJECT REVENANT."

Her hands trembled as she flipped it open. Inside were photographs of children. Some faces were crossed out. Others had dates next to them.

Her stomach twisted. "This is a list… of test subjects."

Arjun leaned in, scanning the names. Then his eyes widened.

"Maya." He pointed to the page.

Her name was there.

Her heart pounded. She turned the page—Aditya's name was there too. So was the man from the abandoned estate. And others… dozens of them.

Aditya clenched his fists. "So this is where it all started."

Maya barely heard him. Her mind raced. Who else was on this list? Were they all still alive?

Then a noise.

A sharp shuffle from outside the room.

Maya froze.

Aditya put a hand on her shoulder, whispering, "We're not alone."

Arjun moved first, pushing open the door. The hallway was empty. But the air felt… different.

Then—a voice.

Low. Calm. Dangerous.

"I was wondering when you'd finally come."

They spun around.

A man stood in the doorway, watching them.

Dr. Kael.