CHAPTER 125: THE SECRET INSIDE

CHAPTER 125: THE SECRET INSIDE
"Ivanka, you have been deceived."

Orion's eyes were as keen as knives, but his speech was serene.

My heart was racing as I stood still. The walls seemed like they were closing in, and the room was frigid.

"What do you mean?" Trying to speak steadily, I asked.

His footsteps echoed as he moved closer. "Ethan did not fully disclose to you the Aria code that is within you."

A shiver went down my back. "What are you discussing?"

A faint smile curved Orion's lips. "The code contains a secret application. Something that even Ethan was powerless over.

I gave a headshake. "No. I would have heard from Ethan.

"Would he?" Orion's eyebrows went up. "Consider it. Have you ever experienced a change? As if something was shifting within you?

I recalled the memory jolts, the unexpected outbursts of energy, and the times when I didn't feel like myself.

"What is it used for?" I muttered.

Orion bent closer. It is a key. The secret to anything strong. I can also assist you in unlocking it.

I took a step back. "What makes you worthy of my trust?"

He shrugged. "Because I am the only one who is being honest with you."

Then the alarms went off. The lights flashed red. Over the intercom, someone yelled, “Warning! The bomb went off! Get out of there!

Orion's gaze expanded. "What have you done?"

I gave a headshake. "It wasn't me!"

He took hold of my arm. "We must leave this place. Right now!

The alarm was so loud that we fled down the corridor. The air was heavy with smoke. My vision was blurry.

A person moved ahead of us as we got to the exit.

Ethan was the one.

"Ivanka," he stated in a calm tone despite the commotion. "You must accompany me."

I glanced at Ethan and then Orion. They each had secrets. They had both lied.

The earth underneath us trembled. The detonation of the bomb was imminent.

I had to make a decision.

Ethan said, "Come now, Ivanka," as he extended his hand to me. "Time is not on our side."

Orion, however, moved ahead of me. "You can no longer command her."

Once more, the floor trembled. The lights wavered. Smoke from the distant corridor surged in.

I remained still, torn between two falsehoods, two people I used to believe. The sirens were not as quick as my heartbeat. I knew I needed to relocate, but I wasn't sure who to trust.

I said, "I don't trust either of you."

Orion's gaze wavered. Ethan did not flinch. More than anything else, that frightened me.

Ethan's voice was stern but kind as he talked. "You were only protected by me."

Orion chuckled. "Safe? She was a tool that you employed.

Ethan retorted, "I gave her a chance to live."

I spoke louder. “Stop!” “You two!”

They fell silent. For a moment, even the alarms seemed to be lowered.

I turned to face Ethan. "Is it accurate? Is there something you concealed inside of me?

He took a while to respond.

My response was quiet.

I took a step back. "I am unable to accompany you."

I turned and started to run. Then I noticed it, though.

A red light on the wall was flashing. A little gadget is ticking—the bomb.

I yelled, "There! Bomb!"

Ethan pivoted. His face turned white.

I was grabbed by the arm by Orion. "We must depart immediately!"

The corridor started to collapse. The metal broke. The earth parted. A fire started along the ceiling.

We sped in the direction of the lower tunnel. My lungs screamed and my legs burned, but I persisted.

When we got to the final door, I looked around and noticed that someone was still standing in the flames.

My copy.

Her eyes were crimson as she gazed at me through the smoke.

Then she grinned.

It was the same smile I had always seen in the mirror.

I was flung into the wall as a huge explosion rattled the passageway.

She was gone when I opened my eyes.

Or did she?

There was a lot of smoke. My throat ached. That smile—her smile—remained in my mind like a ghost whispering my name even though I could hardly see it.

Orion hauled me up. "Go, Ivanka! The tunnel is collapsing!

I got up, stumbling. With a loud crack, the earth behind us gave way. We were pursued by fire. The roof was ablaze with sparks that resembled irate stars.

We took off running.

My chest burned with each breath. I believed my heart would burst from the speed at which it beat. The next metal door was pushed open by Orion. It was partially stuck.

"I'll keep it!" he yelled. "Leave!"

"No! You will become trapped.

"I told you to go!" he said, his eyes fierce yet crazy.

He kicked the door, and I slid through the opening. Behind me, it slammed shut.

"Orion!" I pounded on the door. "ORION!"

No response.

Despite my need to cry, I continued to move. I was forced to. There was silence in the hallway ahead. No flames, no smoke. Nothing but quiet.

Too silent.

The metal floor clattered beneath my feet. The doors of the old lab rooms were open when I passed them. Chairs are empty. displays that are broken. The fragrance of wires that have burned.

I froze when I turned the corner.

She was there.

My copy.

alive.

looming like a shadow at the end of the hall. She has no scratches. Not even a fire mark.

"How...?" I muttered.

She grinned once more. The same icy grin.

"You abandoned me," she murmured.

"No... I assumed you—

"You allowed me to burn."

She took a step forward.

I took a step back.

"Ivanka, I'm not exactly like you," she said. "I've improved."

She held up her hand. In her hand, a blue light flickered.

"What are you doing?" With my heart racing, I inquired.

Her grin widened.

"I'm activating the actual software that Ethan concealed. The one you weren't supposed to see.

Above me, the lights became red.

Warning alarms started again.

Panicked, I looked about.

Then she replied, "You're not the only Ivanka anymore," which is something I will always remember.