Chapter Fourteen: The Lab

Dorian followed Kael and Dr. Patel to a high-tech laboratory hidden beneath the city streets. The lab was filled with state-of-the-art equipment and various devices that hummed with energy.

Dr. Patel led the way, her eyes shining with excitement as she began to explain the various experiments they would be conducting. Dorian listened intently, fascinated by the scope of their research.

The first experiment involved testing the artifact's energy signature. Dr. Patel carefully placed the artifact in a specialized device, and a bright light filled the room as the machine whirred to life.

Dorian watched in awe as the data began to pour in. The artifact's energy signature was unlike anything he had ever seen before. It pulsed with an otherworldly power, and Dorian could feel its energy coursing through the air.

As the experiment continued, Dorian began to notice that the artifact's energy was affecting the lab equipment. The machines were malfunctioning, and the readings were becoming increasingly erratic.

"What's happening?" Kael asked, his voice laced with concern.

Dr. Patel frowned, her eyes scanning the data. "I'm not sure," she said. "The artifact's energy is interacting with the equipment in ways I didn't anticipate."

Dorian's instincts told him to be cautious. "Maybe we should shut it down," he suggested.

But Dr. Patel hesitated. "Let's try to adjust the parameters," she said. "We might be able to stabilize the energy signature."

Kael nodded, and together they worked to adjust the equipment. Dorian watched warily, his senses on high alert.

As they worked, the lab was filled with an increasingly intense energy. The machines hummed and whirred, and the air seemed to vibrate with power.

Suddenly, the lab was rocked by a massive energy surge. The machines exploded, and the room was filled with a blinding light.

Dorian stumbled back, his eyes covered. When he opened them again, he saw that the lab was in chaos. Equipment was destroyed, and the artifact was glowing with an intense energy.

"What happened?" Kael asked, his voice firm.

Dr. Patel's eyes were wide with fear. "I don't know," she said. "But I think we underestimated the artifact's power."

Dorian's instincts told him to get out of there, fast. "We need to leave," he said. "Now."

But it was too late. The lab was filling with a strange, pulsating energy. Dorian felt himself being drawn into it, and everything went white.

When Dorian opened his eyes again, he found himself in a strange, otherworldly realm. The sky was a deep purple, and the ground was covered in a thick, silver mist.

"Where are we?" Dorian asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Kael's eyes scanned the horizon. "I don't know," he said. "But I think we're a long way from home."

Dr. Patel's voice was filled with wonder. "This is impossible," she said. "We must have triggered some kind of dimensional portal."

Dorian's mind reeled as he tried to process what was happening. They were in a different dimension, and they had no idea how to get back.

As they stood there, frozen in uncertainty, a figure emerged from the mist. Its eyes glowed with an otherworldly energy, and Dorian felt a sense of trepidation.

"Welcome," the figure said, its voice like thunder. "I have been waiting for you.