Scarlet chains

Chapter 27---The 404's

*Scene: Earth – Area 404 (Top Secret Paranormal Research Facility)*

Hidden beneath the Mojave Desert, *Area 404* was known to only a few—a place where unexplainable things went to disappear.

In an underground lab, surrounded by reinforced psychic barriers and obsidian glass, the *floating cult figure* lay restrained—eyes glowing faintly, murmuring in ancient tongues.

"Vitals are stable," a technician said. "But energy levels are off the charts."

Dr. Elaine Voss, head of the operation, stepped forward. Cold. Brilliant. Obsessed.

"Prep for deep-mind probing."

"But ma'am," a scientist warned, "the last probe melted from inside."

Voss smiled. "Then we'll use flesh this time."

As her team recoiled, she whispered to herself, *"You're a doorway, aren't you? Just like the girl from Project Silent Star."*

A file was slid across her desk. Inside: *Photos of a younger Nova. Chained. Eyes wild. Blood glowing.*

She opened the folder slowly.

*Case: Nova E. Subject 13.*

*Status: Recovered by unknown syndicate. Lost.*

Now, her fingers clenched.

"I never lose my projects."

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*Stepmother's POV*

The candles flickered unnaturally as she knelt before the obsidian mirror. Shadows shifted—*three hooded figures* stared back at her through the glass.

"You said she was weak," one hissed. "You said she'd *break*."

"I— I didn't know," she stammered, sweat trailing down her back. "I thought she was just a hybrid—half Alpha, half monster."

"She is more," another figure growled. "And now she wears the robes of the Forgotten God."

Her hands trembled. "She was nothing. I sold her for scraps—food, silence—"

"For *power*," the third interrupted. "You sold a goddess."

The mirror pulsed red. A dark sigil flared above her head.

"You promised us loyalty. But now? You are a liability."

"No!" she gasped. "I have the younger one—Nova's sister. I kept her hidden. She has potential!"

Silence.

Then a slow, cruel smile echoed from the mirror. "Good. Then you will offer the girl… or your soul."

Her breath hitched.

They vanished.

She collapsed, heart pounding, whispering: "Nova… what *are* you?"

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