Silence stretched between us.
My hands trembled.
That name.
The one Alden whispered.
It wasn't Ashira. It wasn't my alias.
It was… something that belonged to someone long gone.
I: "Why did you call me that?"
Alden: "Because that's who you were… before they erased you."
---
Memory Surge
A white room.
Men in suits.
Wires connected to my scalp.
And his voice—Alden's—saying:
"She's the prototype. If she fails, we all burn."
---
Present
I: "You lied. You taught me, trained me… then watched me forget everything."
Alden: "Because you were safer that way."
He stepped closer, but I backed away.
I: "Don't. You're just another manipulator in this damn place."
Alden (calmly): "Maybe. But I never stopped protecting you."
I pulled a dagger.
I: "Try proving that now."
---
Elsewhere — Secret Dorm Control Room
Kael slammed a fist into the wall.
Kael: "He's awakening her."
Vale: "Her memory?"
Lucian: "Her power."
Ryker: "You guys are saying that like she's not already dangerous enough."
Darius (quietly): "If she becomes what they designed her to be… no one can stop her."
---
Back Underground
I lunged.
Alden dodged like he knew every move before I made it.
And he probably did.
He didn't attack back—just deflected.
Alden: "I trained your instincts. I know your rhythm."
I: "Then learn a new tempo."
I feinted, flipped over him, and landed behind—dagger at his throat.
But he didn't flinch.
Alden: "This is why they all fell for you. Even Lucian."
My grip faltered.
Alden: "You don't realize it yet… but you've already chosen your first king."
---
Sudden Explosion Above
The ground shook.
A piece of the ceiling cracked and fell.
Kael's voice came through my earpiece:
"Ashira, MOVE. You're not safe!"
I turned, ready to leave—
But Alden grabbed my wrist.
Alden: "One last thing."
He pressed something into my hand. Cold. Metal.
A ring.
Inscribed: E.V.E.01
Alden: "When the time comes… wear it. Or they'll destroy you."
Then he pushed me into the collapsing hallway.
---
Moments Later – Safehouse
Kael pulled me in as I landed, bruised and breathless.
Kael: "You okay?"
I nodded. But my hands shook.
Lucian: "Where's Alden?"
I: "Gone."
Vale: "What did he give you?"
I looked at the ring.
Ryker: "Looks like trouble."
I whispered, almost to myself:
"No. It looks like truth."
---
End of Chapter 36