The weight of the revelation hung in the air like a storm cloud, heavy and suffocating. Evelyn's fingers trembled as she traced the name on the worn-out document before her. She had spent years trying to forget, to erase every trace of the past that had once chained her. But now, it stared back at her, undeniable and cruel.
Theo's expression was unreadable, but Evelyn knew him well enough to see the rage simmering beneath the surface. His fists clenched at his sides, his breathing controlled but sharp.
Dr. Marcus Vance sat motionless, watching them with the wary eyes of a man who had been running for too long. "You recognize the name," he said, though it wasn't a question.
Evelyn's throat was dry, but she forced herself to speak. "Where did you get these?"
Vance exhaled slowly. "I had a friend—an informant. He was killed before he could get this to the right people." He gestured to the pile of documents. "This isn't just about experiments or buried research. This is about control. Power. The kind of truth people would kill to keep hidden."
Theo's voice was dangerously low. "Who else knows about this?"
Vance hesitated. "Not many. And the few who did…" His gaze darkened. "They're either dead or missing."
Evelyn tightened her grip on the paper. "Then why are you still alive?"
Vance gave a dry chuckle, but there was no humor in it. "Because I know when to disappear. But I also know that running forever isn't an option." He looked between them. "You two—you're in deeper than you realize."
Theo crossed his arms, his stance tense. "We already knew that. What we need now is a plan."
Vance nodded grimly and stood. "Then listen carefully, because this is the only chance you have."
---
The Plan
The small warehouse office was dimly lit, the single overhead bulb casting sharp shadows along the cracked walls. Evelyn sat at the edge of the desk, arms crossed, while Theo stood beside her, his posture rigid with thought. Vance paced slowly, gathering scattered notes and old files.
"There's a facility," Vance began, his voice low. "Not government-run, but powerful enough to be untouchable. This is where everything started." He pulled out a worn-out map and spread it on the desk. His finger tapped against a red-marked location. "The information you need—it's there."
Evelyn studied the map. "And security?"
Vance exhaled. "Tight. Cameras, armed guards, restricted access. But there's a way in—an old underground passage from when the facility was first built. It was sealed off years ago, but with the right tools…"
Theo nodded. "We can get in."
Vance's gaze flickered to Evelyn. "That wound of yours—will you be able to handle this?"
Evelyn smirked despite herself. "I've had worse."
Theo shot her a sharp look, one that silently told her not to downplay it. She ignored it.
Vance continued. "If you get inside, you need to be fast. Extract the files and get out before they even know you were there."
Evelyn's fingers drummed against the desk. "And what happens after? Even if we get the proof, these people aren't just going to let it slide."
Vance's expression was grim. "They won't. But once the truth is out, they won't be able to bury it so easily."
Theo glanced at Evelyn. "We'll need to move soon. The longer we wait, the more likely they are to realize we're onto them."
Evelyn nodded, her mind already calculating every step. "Then we leave at dawn."
---
A Moment in the Quiet
Later that night, the warehouse was eerily silent. Vance had retreated to another room, leaving Evelyn and Theo alone in the dimly lit space. Evelyn sat near a small window, staring out at the empty streets.
She heard Theo before she saw him, his quiet footsteps approaching. He didn't say anything at first, just leaned against the windowsill beside her.
"You should rest," he finally said.
Evelyn exhaled, rubbing her temple. "I will."
He gave her a skeptical look.
She smirked faintly. "Eventually."
Theo sighed, shaking his head. "You always do this."
"Do what?"
"Pretend like you're fine when you're clearly not."
Evelyn turned to face him. "And what about you? You're acting like you're completely in control when I know this whole situation is pissing you off."
Theo held her gaze, and for a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're right."
Evelyn arched a brow. "Did you just admit I was right?"
He rolled his eyes. "Don't get used to it."
A small laugh escaped her lips, and for the first time that night, the weight pressing on her chest felt a little lighter.
Theo's voice softened. "Evelyn."
She glanced at him.
He hesitated, then said, "If anything goes wrong tomorrow—"
"Don't," she interrupted. "Nothing's going wrong."
"But if it does." He held her gaze, his expression uncharacteristically open. "Just promise me you won't do anything reckless."
She exhaled. "I can't promise that."
"Evelyn."
She sighed, then nudged his arm lightly. "I promise I'll try."
Theo didn't look entirely satisfied, but after a moment, he nodded.
They sat there in silence for a while, the air between them filled with things left unsaid.
And for now, that was enough.
---
The Shadows of Dawn
The first light of morning cast long shadows across the warehouse floor. Evelyn adjusted her jacket, tightening the straps of her bag.
Vance handed Theo a small flash drive. "If you can't get everything, at least secure the main files. This contains a coded access key—it'll help bypass some of their security."
Theo took it, slipping it into his pocket. "Understood."
Evelyn turned to Vance. "And you? What will you do?"
Vance exhaled. "I have my own steps to take. If we all make it out of this, I'll contact you."
Evelyn nodded, then exchanged a glance with Theo.
"Ready?" he asked.
She smirked. "Always."
With that, they slipped out into the early morning shadows, moving toward the unknown.
Because once they stepped into that facility, there would be no turning back.
---
End of Chapter 13