Chapter 14: Face to Face
497 Words
Ari moved through the dark halls of Paragon’s fortress like a shadow.
The alarms were off. No guards. No resistance.
That worried her more than bullets.
Her heart beat faster the closer she got to the core. Not because of fear—but because Kellan was here. Somewhere in this cold, silent place.
And she needed him like air.
She slipped into a long, dim hallway.
And stopped.
Because at the end… was a woman.
Tall. Strong. Familiar.
“Mom?” Ari whispered.
The woman turned.
“Yes,” she said. Her voice cracked like ice. “I’m alive.”
—
The world spun.
Ari felt dizzy. “They told me you were dead.”
“I was dead… to Lucien. But Paragon saved me.”
“You joined him?”
“No. I made a deal to survive. And to watch over you. You’re stronger than I ever was, Ari. But you’re still in danger.”
Ari stepped closer. “Where’s Kellan?”
Her mother looked away. “He’s safe. For now. But Paragon is losing patience.”
Ari’s fists clenched. “Then I’ll end this tonight.”
Her mother stopped her. “Wait. There’s something you don’t know.”
She took out a small device. A memory chip.
“Lucien didn’t just make you powerful. He made you… unstable. If Paragon triggers the final protocol, your body might not survive it.”
Ari’s voice shook. “I’d rather die than be his weapon.”
Her mother reached out, touching her cheek. “Then fight not just with your power—but with your heart. That’s what makes you human.”
—
Elsewhere — Kellan
Kellan sat on the cold lab floor, his hands still bound. His body hurt, but his heart hurt worse.
He had no idea if Ari was coming.
But then—
The door slid open.
And she was there.
Wild hair. Fierce eyes. Beautiful and alive and his.
“Ari…”
She ran to him, dropped to her knees, and pulled him into her arms. “I’ve got you,” she whispered.
Their lips met—soft at first, then desperate. Like they were trying to memorize each other before the world burned again.
“I thought I lost you,” he breathed.
“You won’t,” she said. “Not ever.”
—
They escaped through the tunnels.
But Paragon knew.
He watched the cameras and smiled. “Let them run,” he whispered. “The closer she gets to love, the closer she gets to the trigger.”
—
Back in the desert, Ari and Kellan rested under the stars.
Their bodies touched—legs tangled, breaths shared.
Kellan brushed her hair away from her face. “What happens if you lose control?”
She looked at him, eyes shining. “Then kiss me until I remember who I am.”
And he did.
Slow.
Sweet.
Like they had all the time in the world.
Even if they didn’t.
—
- Writer
