Chapter 205 The Experiment

Chapter 205 The Experiment
Harper didn’t move. She simply stared at her father. “An experiment?”

Coach Hayes looked devastated. “Harper, listen to me.” “No.” Her voice shook. “You knew?” “I knew something was different about you.” “You knew they experimented on me?” “I didn’t know the whole truth.” “Then what did you know?”

He lowered his eyes. “That you were connected to the Gate.” Harper stepped backward. “And you never told me.” “I was trying to protect you.” “By lying to me?” “I was afraid they’d find you.” “Who?”

Before Coach Hayes could answer, the crack beneath us widened. Dark energy rose from it. Kael immediately raised a barrier. “Everyone back!” The voice returned.

“THE EXPERIMENT HAS AWAKENED.”

Harper’s hands began glowing. She stared at them. “What is happening to me?” I moved beside her. “Whatever happens, you’re not facing it alone.” She looked at me.“I don’t even know who I am anymore.” I took her hand. “You’re Harper.”

Her eyes filled with tears. “How can you be sure?” “Because I’ve known you.” I squeezed her hand. “Not because of the Gate. Not because of some experiment. Because of who you are.”

She looked at me for a long moment. Then she nodded. Coach Hayes stepped forward. “I need to tell you the truth.” Harper turned toward him. “Then tell me everything.”He took a breath. “Years ago, your mother and I were approached by scientists studying the Interworld Gate.” “Why?” “They believed certain humans could naturally connect to its energy.”

“And I was one of them?” “Yes.” Harper’s expression hardened. “They tested you before you were born.. He nodded. “They wanted to create a human Bridge.” Kael interrupted. “That experiment was supposed to be impossible.” Daniel looked at him. “They thought the same thing.” “What happened?” “Your mother refused to let them continue.” 

Harper stared at her father. “So you took me away?” “Yes.” “And the scientists?” “They disappeared.” Kael’s face tightened. “They weren’t scientists.” “What were they?” “Early Architects.” Silence filled the street. 

Harper looked at me. “That’s why they know me.” Kael nodded. “They’ve been searching for you.”

A loud explosion interrupted us. The barrier shook. The Harbinger emerged from the crack. This time, it was larger. More powerful. Its mask had disappeared. Beneath it was a human face. Harper gasped. “Who is that?” Coach Hayes went pale. “I know him.”

The creature smiled. “Hello, Daniel.” Coach Hayes froze. “You.” I looked at him. “Who is he?” Daniel’s voice trembled. “Dr. Elias.” Harper stared. “The man who conducted the experiment?”

Elias smiled. “I prefer creator.” Kael raised his weapon. “You should be dead.” “I was.” Elias looked at Harper. “Then she brought me back.”

Harper’s eyes widened. “I did what?” “Your energy.” He pointed at her. “Every time you used the Bridge, you strengthened me.” Harper shook her head. “No.” 

“Yes.” I stepped forward. “Leave her alone.” Elias laughed. “You still think this is about you.”

I raised my golden energy. “It becomes about me when you threaten her.” Elias attacked. The blast struck me. Harper screamed. “Liam!” I hit the ground. Before Elias could attack again, Harper’s energy exploded.

A golden wave sent him flying across the street. Everyone stared. Harper stared at herself. “I did that?” I pushed myself up. “Apparently.” She looked at Elias. He slowly stood. 

For the first time, he looked afraid. “You’ve become stronger.”Harper raised her hands. “You wanted an experiment.”

Her eyes glowed. “Now you’re going to see what your experiment became.” She released another wave. Elias disappeared into the crack. But his laughter remained. “You cannot kill what you created.” The crack closed. Silence returned.

Harper lowered her hands. Then she collapsed. I caught her. “Harper!” She opened her eyes. “I’m okay.” “You’re exhausted.” “So are you.” I smiled. “Fair.”

Coach Daniel approached. He looked at his daughter. “I am sorry.” Harper stared at him. “I know.” “I should have told you.” “Yes.” “But everything I did was to keep you safe.”

She looked away. “I need time.” Daniel nodded. “I’ll give you as much as you need.” Kael walked toward us. “We don’t have much time.” I looked at him. “Why?”

He pointed toward the sky. The golden bridge had returned. But this time, it wasn’t golden. It was red. A message appeared.

THE BRIDGE HAS AWAKENED.

Then another.

THE ARCHITECTS ARE RETURNING.

Harper stared upward. “They’re coming for me.” Kael shook his head. “No.” He looked at all of us. “They’re coming for the entire planet.” Adrian stepped forward. “Then we fight.” Mara nodded. “Together.”

Aria and Amara joined them. I looked at Harper. She was still staring at the red Gate. “What are you thinking?” She took a deep breath. “That I’ve spent my entire life being protected.” She turned toward us. “I’m done running.” Her eyes glowed again.

“If they created me to become their Bridge…” She looked at the sky.  “…then I’ll decide where that Bridge leads.” I smiled. “That’s my girl.” She looked at me. “Don’t call me that.” I laughed. “Sorry.” For the first time since learning the truth, Harper smiled.

Then the red Gate opened. Hundreds of ships appeared beyond it. Kael’s face became grim. “They’re here.” Harper stepped forward. The Five Frequencies ignited around her. And from the other side of the Gate, a familiar voice echoed across the city.

“BRING US THE BRIDGE.”

Harper raised her hands. “No.” The Gate shook. She smiled. “Come and take me.”