Chapter 3: The Impostor Among Titans
The theatre was a cathedral of intellect—polished marble floors, holographic projections of quantum models swirling above the stage, and rows of suits that smelled like power.
I adjusted the collar of the coat I'd "borrowed." It still smelled faintly of Wickham's cologne—mint and arrogance.
I kept my head low, eyes scanning for exits, guards, and anyone who might recognize me.
Then she appeared.
"Oh hello there, are you Professor Wickham?"
Crap.
I turned slowly, forcing a polite smile.
She had sharp eyes, the kind that saw through equations and lies. Her voice was familiar. Too familiar.
Wait a minute… I know her.
Dr. Elara Moyo.
My former lab partner. The one who stayed behind when I was expelled. The one who believed in me when no one else did.
She tilted her head, studying me.
"You look… different."
I swallowed hard. "New haircut."
She didn't laugh.
"Nova?" she whispered.
I froze.
"What are you doing here?"
I glanced at the stage. The countdown to the energy reveal had begun.
"Trying to stop a theft," I said. "Or maybe commit one."