Page 56 of Shadow's Claim

"Someone's inside," I whisper, pointing to the indicator.

Kael nods, shadows gathering around his form as he prepares for potential confrontation. I take a deep breath and knock softly on the door.

Silence. Then footsteps approaching from inside.

"Who's there?" Dr. Grey's familiar voice calls, tension evident in his tone. "The lab is closed for the night."

"Dr. Grey," I respond, keeping my voice low. "It's Nova. Nova Hayes. I need your help."

More silence. Then the soft beep of the security system disengaging. The door cracks open just enough for me to see Dr. Grey's face—his tired eyes widening at the sight of us.

"By the Void," he breathes, glancing quickly up and down the corridor before opening the door wider. "Get in, quickly."

We slip inside, and he immediately locks the door behind us, activating additional security protocols with practiced movements. His laboratory is smaller than I expected—a main research area with examination equipment, diagnostic tools, and data terminals, plus what looks like a small personal office through a doorway at the back.

"This is incredibly dangerous," Dr. Grey says, running a hand through his white hair. The deep lines in his face seem more pronounced than I remember, aging him beyond his years. "Lord Kael, your absence has already been noted in administrative channels. And Miss Hayes, Sovereign Obscura's transfer order has been circulating for hours."

"We had little choice," Kael responds, his massive form making the laboratory feel suddenly cramped. "The Purist resistance attempted extraction. Our security was compromised."

Dr. Grey's eyes fix on my abdomen, where shadow patterns visibly pulse through my clothing. His clinical gaze softens slightly, showing the man beneath the scientist.

"And the hybrid?"

"Active," I say, feeling the life inside me respond to the mention. "It was... aware during the attack. It knows it was targeted."

The doctor's professional demeanor slips for just a moment, revealing genuine concern beneath the clinical exterior. "Conscious threat recognition at this developmental stage is unprecedented." He gestures toward an examination table. "May I?"

I glance at Kael, who nods almost imperceptibly. This silent communication between us still surprises me—the way we've learned to read each other without words. Three months ago, I would have resented needing his permission for anything. Now, it feels like partnership rather than subjugation.

I sit on the edge of the table while Dr. Grey gathers scanning equipment—nothing invasive, just external sensors that monitor the shadow patterns and the hybrid's responses.

"Remarkable," he murmurs, studying the readings on his display. "The shadow integration has progressed well beyond theoretical parameters. Neural activity suggests consciousness comparable to late-term shadow demon offspring, though still developing human emotional patterns."

"Doctor," Kael interrupts, multiple arms crossed over his massive chest. "We require sanctuary, not examination."

Dr. Grey looks up, seeming to remember our predicament. "Yes, of course. But you must understand, my position here is... complicated. I cannot directly defy Sovereign Obscura. The transfer order bears all six authorization marks."

My heart sinks. "Then you won't help us?"

"I didn't say that." He sets down his scanner, expression thoughtful. "There are... protocols that might delay enforcement. Medical necessities that supersede administrative directives."

Hope flickers to life. "What kind of protocols?"

"The hybrid's development suggests specialized birthing requirements," he explains, turning to a data terminal where he begins entering information. "I can document physiological conditions that would make standard transfer procedures potentially dangerous."

Kael moves closer, shadows extending slightly as he reads over the doctor's shoulder. "Specialized requirements meaning...?"

"Shadow integration patterns at this advanced stage create unique psychic bonding pathways," Dr. Grey says, fingers flying across the interface. "Disruption could trigger cascade reactions affecting multiple shadow networks throughout the territory."

I watch him work, impressed despite our desperate situation. He's not lying—not exactly. He's using the truth strategically, emphasizing aspects that support our need while remaining technically accurate. This is how he's survived as a human in shadow demon hierarchy—precise navigation of rules rather than direct defiance.

"How long will this buy us?" I ask, the practical question uppermost in my mind.

Dr. Grey sighs, the deep lines in his face more pronounced under the laboratory's lighting. "Twenty-four hours, perhaps forty-eight if we're fortunate. Administrative review requires consultation with multiple departments."

Not much time. But better than nothing.

"There's something else you should know," I say, remembering the conversation we overheard in the stairwell. "Something called the Morphos Project. We heard researchers discussing it—they mentioned hybrid experiments with high mortality rates."

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