Chapter 16 - A Dangerous Offer

Author's Note: This chapter has been newly revised and expanded! If you've read the earlier version, you might notice some changes in Ava's thoughts and her decision process. Thank you for your patience and support!

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Chapter 16

The days following the Grave surge trial were tense.

Elren increased the intensity of our training, probably to prepare me for the inevitable clash with the system. I could feel it in every blocked strike, every correction—he was preparing me to stand, not just to run.

"You're holding back," he said one morning after disarming me for the sixth time.

"I'm pacing myself."

"Push harder."

"You want me to collapse?"

"No. I want you to stop hesitating."

I exhaled slowly and attacked again, this time with everything I had. For a moment, our weapons clashed with sharp echoes, a dance of speed and stubbornness.

"Better," he murmured.

"I'm learning from the best."

"Obviously."

...

We paused for water, the usual comfort of Gloria's coffee waiting nearby.

"You think they'll come soon?"

"Yes."

"Will they come to talk or to capture?"

"Possibly both."

"Oh good, I love having so many options."

His lips twitched, but he didn't deny it.

-----

It didn't take long.

Three days later, Vance returned—but this time, he wasn't alone.

A woman accompanied him, her presence sharp and suffocating, her black uniform even more intimidating than Vance's. She was the kind of person who didn't need to raise her voice to command an entire room.

"Ava Lin," she greeted, her tone crisp. "I am Director Seraphine."

Oh great, I've officially reached the boss level.

"Welcome. Would you like coffee?"

"No."

"That's tragic. Gloria is quite offended."

"We're not here for social pleasantries."

"Shame. I've been working on my guest manners."

Elren stepped between us instinctively, but Seraphine barely acknowledged him.

"Your presence is accelerating Grave convergence."

"So I've heard."

"We cannot leave this unchecked."

"So you're here to put me in a box?"

"I'm here to offer you a position."

I blinked. "Wait, what?"

"You are not simply a threat. You are a potential asset."

"Oh no. I don't like where this is going."

"We want to bring you into the system formally—as a hunter. As one of us."

"You want to make me a government dog?"

"Your unique resonance could be the key to controlling the surging Graves."

"So you want to weaponize me."

"We want to give you a place where your existence is sanctioned."

"Wow, you make it sound so generous."

"It's better than containment."

"Debatable."

Elren stepped forward. "She won't be used."

"She would be protected."

"She would be monitored."

"That is unavoidable."

"Then it's not protection. It's a leash."

Seraphine finally gave him her full attention. "You're unusually invested in her."

"Obviously."

"Why?"

"Because she's mine to protect."

Her expression didn't shift, but I sensed she registered the threat.

"Ava Lin, you have three days to consider the offer."

"What if I refuse?"

"The system will not allow you to remain unaligned."

"I see. So join or be hunted."

"Correct."

"Great. I'll get back to you."

Seraphine and Vance departed without further argument, though I could feel the weight of the decision crushing me already.

...

Elren watched me quietly. "You're not joining them."

"Shouldn't I at least consider it?"

"No."

"You know what happens if I refuse."

"I will handle it."

"You can't take on the entire system alone."

"Watch me."

Oh. Okay. That was... intense. I'll just pack that into the emotional spiral I'm definitely scheduling for later.

-----

That night, I sat on the balcony, staring at the city lights.

Should I join them? Is it safer to be on the inside?

But deep down, I didn't know.

Do I really want to gamble with my freedom? Would it be better to play along and find safety inside their walls?

I sighed, hugging my knees.

"You won't choose them," Elren said, appearing beside me like always, as if he belonged there.

"You're awfully confident."

"Because you're not the type to fold under pressure."

"You've seen me fold under a training blade."

"That's different."

"You're really sure about this, huh?"

"Obviously."

"Even if it means becoming a fugitive?"

"Especially then."

"That's... a lot to promise."

"I don't make promises lightly."

I wanted to believe him, but I also wanted to believe I could survive without becoming anyone's pawn.

"What if... what if I do choose them?"

Elren's silence stretched just a little too long.

"Then I will stay."

"Even if I walk into their cage willingly?"

"You're mine to protect. That doesn't change."

Why does that sound like it carries more weight than he's admitting?

"You're impossible."

"Correct."

"But also kind of great."

"Obviously."

We sat in silence, but this time, my mind refused to settle.

Do I trust him enough to run? Do I trust myself enough to fight?

The system offered me a cage, but maybe it's a cage with wide bars. Maybe I could use their own keys to unlock it from the inside.

But if I refused... would I even get the chance to keep breathing?

"Elren?"

"Hm?"

"If I choose them, do you think I'll regret it?"

"Yes."

"Wow. Zero hesitation, huh?"

"You're not made to follow their rules."

"Maybe I could fake it."

"Not well."

"You know me that well already?"

"Obviously."

Okay, that was a little unfair. That hit harder than it should have.

I looked away, my stomach twisting.

I wanted to run. I wanted to stay. I wanted to survive.

And I wasn't sure which path would let me do all three.

But I did know one thing.

"You'll stay either way?"

"Without hesitation."

"Even if I'm making the wrong choice?"

"Especially then."

I laughed weakly. "You're a terrible life coach."

"Correct."

We sat together until dawn, the city stretching endlessly before us.

Three days.

Three days to decide whether I wanted to run or walk straight into the jaws of the system.

And I still didn't know which door was the trap.