Page 85 of Third

The path ended at a sealed archway. Unlike the others, this one glowed faintly with embedded circuitry—older tech. Vettian.

Tor’Vek raised a hand, examining the surface. Recognition flickered in his expression, equal parts horror andrage.

“This is his heart,” he said. “Everything he built—everything he twisted—it originates here.”

Anya’s stomach turned. Her finger tightened on the trigger.

From behind the door, asound echoed.

Not footsteps.

Laughter.

Then a voice, cold and threaded with delight:

“You came all this way just to try to destroy what you never truly understood. Predictable.”

Tor’Vek’s face went still. Like a blade before it strikes.

He looked atAnya.

She noddedonce.

Then he slammed his palm into the access panel.

The door explodedopen.

Chapter20

SELYR STOODin the center of his lab. Waiting. Smiling.

“Welcome,” he said, his tone light, almost amused. And yet, underneath Tor’Vek caught a hint of panic. “If survival is still a priority, Isuggest you leave now before my reinforcements arrive. Take my ship—consider it a parting gift.”

Tor’Vek took a step forward, eyes locked on Selyr. “You are mistaken if you believe we came here to survive.”

Selyr ignored him entirely, speaking over the warning with clinical detachment. His voice was cool, almost bored, as he gestured toward a darkened corridor behind him. “Once you are aboard, Iwill stop the countdown on the bracelets. After all, Ihave extracted everything I need from you.”

His attention pivoted—settling on Anya with unsettling precision. Curious. Fascinated. Vaguely condescending. Like she was a flawed data set he still intended to study. His grin widened, eyes gleaming. “Stay—and I promise you, the data I collect next will be... far more invasive.”

Anya lifted her blaster, leveled it at his chest. “We didn’t come for mercy or data collection. We came for you.”

Selyr’s smile faltered.

Tor’Vek’s voice dropped, deadly and calm. “You are not the scientist anymore, Selyr. You are the subject.”

Anya stepped forward, her voice steady but tight. “Do you have her?”

Selyr blinked, feigning confusion. “Have who?”

“My sister,” she said, louder now. “Maya.”

He tilted his head, too casual. “Ah. Yes. Of course. She is... secure. Untouched. For now.”

But he shifted his stance slightly. Not back. Not defensive. Angled. Like someone preparing tolie.

Anya’s gaze narrowed. “Where is she?”

Selyr’s mouth thinned. “Somewheresafe.”

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