“…Father.”
The word echoed through the archive.
No one moved.
No one breathed.
Lucien stared at the screen.
His expression was unreadable.
“My father died fifteen years ago.”
The elderly man smiled gently.
“No.”
“Richard Kingston died.”
“I raised you.”
Silence.
“I am the only father you’ve ever truly known.”
⸻
Damien instinctively reached for his weapon.
“Don’t.”
Agent Isabelle whispered.
“It’s a recording.”
The man chuckled.
“As predictable as ever, Damien.”
Damien froze.
“How…”
The man looked directly into the camera.
“I know you’re wondering how I knew you’d be there.”
He smiled.
“I didn’t.”
“I simply know human nature.”
⸻
Lucien stepped closer.
“Who are you?”
“My name is Elias Mercer.”
“I founded Project Aster.”
The room fell silent.
“I gathered childre
