CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE - The Gathering Storm Approaches

The warehouse door slammed shut behind her with a resounding clang, plunging the space into total darkness. The darkness enveloped Ella like a suffocating blanket, her heart pounding in her chest as she strained her eyes to make out any shapes in the inky blackness. The sound of footsteps echoed through the cavernous space, circling her like a predator stalking its prey. "Who are you?" Ella called out, fighting to keep her voice steady. "What do you want?" A chuckle reverberated through the warehouse, seemingly coming from all directions at once. "Oh, Ella. Always so eager for answers. But are you prepared for the truth?" Suddenly, a spotlight blazed to life, momentarily blinding her. As her eyes adjusted, Ella found herself face to face with... Lucas. No, not Lucas. The doppelgänger. He stood before her, an exact replica of the man she loved, right down to the small scar on his left eyebrow. But his eyes were cold, devoid of the warmth and kindness she knew so well. "Surprised?