Chapter 11: In the Lair of the Chosen

"Leave it to me," I said to Étienne, a flash of determination in my eyes. He looked at me, a hint of worry mixed with trust. He knew that when I had an idea, it was best not to argue.

I took a deep breath and moved forward, leaving behind the relative safety of our hiding place. My mind raced, searching for a flaw, an opportunity. The Chosen Ones patrolling the hall exuded an aura of smugness and power. They weren't expecting such a bold intrusion.

My plan was simple, risky, but potentially effective. I focused on the energy that lay dormant within me, the one Malakai had taught us to awaken. I let it rise to the surface, shaping it, twisting it until it took the form of an illusion. An image of myself, walking nonchalantly, looking confident, as if I belonged here.

The illusion was fragile, but it was enough to attract attention. The nearest guards stopped, their gazes fixed on my ethereal double. This was my chance.

While they were distracted, Étienne and I slipped along the wall, melting into the shadows. My illusion continued on its way for a few moments, then dissipated, leaving the guards perplexed. But the time gained allowed us to reach a side door, less guarded.

Étienne used his heightened senses to make sure no one was on the other side. A nod, and we slipped into a dimly lit corridor.

The atmosphere here was different. The air was heavier, charged with a strange, almost artificial energy. Anonymous doors lined both sides of the corridor. Behind each of them perhaps lay another secret of the Chosen Ones.

We moved cautiously, pressed against the walls, listening for the slightest sound. I could sense the presence of other people in this area, a more powerful, more aware presence than that of the simple guards. These were the Chosen Ones themselves.

Suddenly, a voice echoed at the end of the corridor. It was cold, authoritative, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

"Who's there?"

We froze, holding our breath. The voice was getting closer. We had to act fast.

Étienne glanced at me. Without a word, we separated, hiding behind two opposite doors. The voice grew closer, and a figure appeared at the end of the corridor. It was a woman, dressed in a dark robe, her austere face illuminated by the dim light. She had an undeniable aura of power.

She stopped for a moment, her piercing eyes scanning the darkness. Then, with a shrug, she continued on her way.

We waited a few more seconds before revealing ourselves. "That was Sophia," Étienne murmured, his voice tense.

I nodded. We were in the heart of their territory. Danger was everywhere.

We had to find proof, concrete information about their experiments. But we also had to be careful not to get caught. The truth we sought had a price, and we were about to discover it.

We continued our exploration, opening doors carefully, scrutinizing each room. Some were offices, others spartan bedrooms. But none seemed to contain the evidence we were looking for.

The tension mounted with each passing moment. We knew our time was running out. Sooner or later, our presence would be discovered.

And just as despair began to creep in, I saw a door unlike the others. It was made of heavy metal, with no visible handle. A luminous panel flickered beside it.

"Étienne, look at this."

He approached and examined the panel. Strange symbols were engraved on it. "I don't recognize this writing."

But I had a hunch. I placed my hand on the panel and concentrated. The energy within me vibrated, seeking a resonance with the symbols.

Slowly, lights appeared on the panel, and a soft click was heard. The door opened with a hiss.

We exchanged an incredulous look. What awaited us behind this door? Could we sense the truth, finally within reach?