The tunnels trembled like something alive.
A faint pulse ran along the walls — light flowing through old data conduits like veins awakening after years of silence. Ethan froze mid-step, his eyes darting to the shimmering current racing ahead of them.
Dr. Taylor’s handheld scanner beeped erratically. “This isn’t normal power fluctuation,” she said, frowning. “Something’s activating the old Elysium network.”
Maya flinched, clutching her temples. “It’s... inside my head,” she whispered. “Like a whisper.”
Hannah raised her rifle, eyes scanning the shadows. “We triggered something.”
But Dr. Myles shook her head slowly. “No,” she said, her voice low. “Someone’s reaching out.”
The pulse intensified. Lights flickered overhead, and the stagnant air buzzed with static. Ethan felt the familiar
