"Welcome home, Emily."
The words echoed throughout the chamber.
Nobody spoke.
Nobody moved.
Even the Core seemed to pause.
Its massive golden light pulsed slowly, illuminating the hooded figure standing at the entrance.
The Founder.
The true leader of the Order.
The man hidden behind decades of experiments, lies, and bloodshed.
Emily felt a chill crawl down her spine.
There was something wrong about him.
Not his appearance.
Not his voice.
His presence.
The air itself seemed to bend around him.
Alexander immediately stepped in front of Emily.
His injured shoulder was still bleeding, but he didn't care.
His entire focus remained on protecting her.
The Founder laughed softly.
"You always stand in front of her."
Alexander's eyes narrowed.
"And you'll never stand behind her."
The Founder chuckled.
"I can see why she chose you."
Emily frowned.
"Who are you?"
The Founder slowly removed his hood.
Gasps filled the chamber.
Even Lucien looked shocked.
