Chapter 66: Into the Trap

The sterile, fluorescent light of the Meridian facility cast a harsh glow on the figure standing before Ava and Lucas. The realization hit Ava like a blow to the chest. This wasn’t a coincidence—they had been led here. The figure stepped forward, their smile slow and calculated, a predator savoring its prey. “You didn’t think Meridian would let you get this close without being prepared, did you?” Lucas’s fists clenched at his sides, his eyes narrowing in cold fury. “Who are you?” The figure chuckled, the sound low and mocking. “You don’t recognize me? I’m hurt, Lucas. But then again, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. You and your team have been so focused on stopping Phase Two that you failed to realize the real threat was always waiting for you.” Ava’s pulse quickened as she searched the figure’s face. There was something unsettlingly familiar about them, but she couldn’t place it. Her mind raced, trying to connect the dots. “You work for Meridian. You’ve been leading us here fr