Chapter 23:The Uncontrolled Target
382 Words
The library was almost empty. Rows of tall shelves cast long shadows, and dust floated lazily in the warm light from the high windows.
Isolde walked in, trying to ignore the faint smell of old paper mixed with something sharper—metallic, like blood.
Elysium was already there, leaning against the far desk, a thick book in one hand. He didn’t look up right away.
Elysium: “You skipped last night’s meeting.”
MC: “Maybe I wasn’t in the mood for another interrogation.”
Elysium (glancing at her): “Funny. I thought you liked answers.”
She crossed her arms. “Not when they come with threats.”
He finally set the book down, stepping closer, his boots making no sound on the carpet.
Elysium: “You’ve been seen near the east gate. Twice.”
MC: “So what?”
Elysium (low voice): “That’s where the red dots show up.”
The words made her pulse jump. She tried to act bored.
MC: “You think I’m looking for trouble?”
Elysium: “I think you’ve already found it. The problem is… it tends to notice back.”
He circled her slowly, like a predator measuring distance.
Elysium: “Lucien isn’t telling you the whole story. That red mark—it’s not a location. It’s a target. And right now, it’s moving.”
MC: “You mean… it’s a person?”
Elysium: “Not exactly.” His eyes were sharp, almost amused. “The Council calls them ‘uncontrolled targets.’ The rest of us just try to stay alive when they’re near.”
A chill went down her spine. She forced a smile.
MC: “And you think I’m next?”
Elysium: “I think you should stop pretending you’re not curious. Curiosity is what gets people killed here.”
He reached out, almost touching her hair, then stopped an inch away.
Elysium: “Stay away from the east gate. Or the target will find you first.”
Before she could reply, he picked up his book and walked away, his coat brushing against her arm as he passed.
She stood alone in the quiet library, her reflection faint in the glass window—
and for a moment, she thought she saw a small, glowing red dot over her shoulder.
- Writer
