Jace POV Cont'd
He couldn't unsee it now. What started as a curious job had turned into a violent knot in his chest, and the clock was ticking. Phase 3 was set for dawn. The USB Drive contained everything about Project: E.D.E.N., and it's only a matter of time before Mr. Kessler notices it's missing.
Every time he thought of Lena spending another day in that place, his heart broke, especially now knowing she is pregnant with his child. The night she disappeared, he was planning to propose, and now that he has found her again, he's willing to save her from this cursed experiment.
Jace exited through the service corridor and headed toward the northern wing — a restricted area for higher clearance staff only. His clearance wouldn't work, but there was one person who could get him past that.
Dr. Nathan Monroe.
A senior research director taught him how to operate the machines and analyse data when he first got here 2 years ago. He was like a big brother to Jace, and they shared everything. If Nathan knew anything, it would help Jace a lot.
The door slid open after a few seconds, and Dr. Monroe appeared — hair ruffled, glasses askew. He blinked at Jace. "Do you know what time it is? Jace, what are you—"
"I know what they've done," Jace said in a low voice. "What they're doing. I need your help."
Dr. Monroe paused, studying his face. For a moment, it looked like he was about to throw him out. But he has never seen Jace this perplexed, so he stepped aside."Come in."
Jace entered. The office smelled of green tea and old paper. Screens glowed in the shadows.
"I found the archive," Jace said quietly, "The real files, not the ones we're shown."
Monroe's face didn't change. He sighed, "So," he said quietly, "you've seen it."
Jace froze in place. His chest tightened. "You knew?"
"I suspected," Monroe replied, "There were inconsistencies."
Jace went over to Nathan's desktop and inserted the USB, going over it again.
"We have to tell the other scientists."
Monroe's eyes darkened.
"Are you stupid? If we interfere, we'll be detained. They will shut this down and relocate everything. The subjects will be terminated as evidence."
"Then I'll go in myself," Jace said. His voice cracked, but he meant it, "I have to save Lena."
Monroe stared at him, and this time his expression changed — something like admiration mixed with resignation.
"You're willing to go that far and risk your life for her?"
Jace nods.
"Ok, fine. I'll give you the access codes. But you need more than that. The outer dome is sealed. Even if you reach there, you'll need a way to shut down the environmental cycle. That's done from Central Control. And don't be fooled, that place has the most security. However, I know a guard who can help you."
"Where is it?"
Monroe hesitated.
"Underground. Sublevel 4. Only Kessler and a handful of others have access. Here is the manual to access the codes," Nathan says as he places a thick blue book in Jace's hand.
Below them, the monitors flickered. The environment simulation logs have been updated. Phase 3: Activated.
"Dammit." Jace cursed.
Nathan threw an airpiece in Jace's hand, "Communicate with me through this. I'll direct you through cams. Quick Jace, go save your girl and be safe."
Jace borrowed one of Nathan's backpacks and hid the book and USB. He smiled with determination and ran down the corridor.
Maya's POV - Inside the Dome, Day 5 Cont'd
As the group continued North, the terrain became steeper. Rocks gave way beneath their feet as they walked through a valley. As they reached another river, Maya froze. She heard chirping in the distance.
"Do you hear that?" Maya whispered.
Lena nodded slowly, a strange expression on her face, "Are those birds?"
Rory pointed above, "Look!"
A flock of eagles flew overhead.
"What's happening?" Ethan asked.
Maya responded, "I don't know, but strangely, it's our first time seeing birds in 6 days."
Sam looked at her, his hand on his chin, "Maybe they migrated and came here for food."
"You're probably right," Lena said.
"Lena...You feeling better?" Maya asked gently.
Lena nodded, "Maybe. I really think it was something I ate," she said with a weak laugh.
"I figured. When we first got here, the fruits were juicy, but...since we came further North, I realize they are actually artificial," Maya said uneasily.
"But why?" Rory asked.
Maya sighed, "I don't know, but there is something about this place that doesn't seem—"
"Maya," Sam said suddenly, "Don't you think you're overthinking this whole thing?"
"What?"
"I mean, ever since we got here, you're the only person who thinks we are in some foreign land."
Rory spoke up, "No, she's not. I believe her. I saw the camera a few days ago and somehow it disappeared, and I agree that the food does taste weird."
Mark turned around and asked, "Wait, you two saw a camera?"
"Yes, there was a red blinking light. But the next morning, it was gone," Maya responded.
"See, you two were just hallucinating. How come no one else saw it? Not even Mark and Elena saw one, and they're here longer than us," Sam said defensively.
Before they could say more, a strange sound tore through the trees — a low growl. Everyone froze.
"What was that?" Lena whispered.
A loud rustling came from the bushes on the other side of the river. A massive creature that sounded like a wolf and a bear.
Mark raised his arm, "Everyone, stay quiet."
Elena looks at Mark, "They're here."
Something made the air feel cold.
Maya couldn't see it clearly — just a shape in the shadows. A shape that moved too smoothly to be natural.
"Don't run," Mark said sharply, "If it can't hear you, it might not chase."
Everyone stopped breathing. Except Lena.
She'd turned around at the wrong moment and saw it.
The creature was massive and grotesque, with the body of a bear covered in thick, brown fur, but its elongated limbs, glaring red eyes, and jaws resembled a wolf. Its long claws dug into the ground as it got ready to charge. It looked so unnatural, like something from a horror movie.
She screamed.
Her voice shattered the silence like glass. The creature lunged. Lena bolted into the trees.
"Lena!" Ethan shouted, chasing after her.
Rory grabbed Maya and shoved her in the opposite direction.
"Go!"
"What about Lena?!"
"She ran — Ethan will find her! We have to go!"
They sprinted. Their lungs are burning. The forest blurs past them. Branches whipped against their skin, birds scattered into the air, and all they could hear was their own breath — and the creature crashing through the forest behind them.
Maya could hear her heartbeat in her ears, louder than the wind, louder than the river behind them. Rory ran beside her, alert, eyes scanning the trees.
When they finally stopped, they crouched behind a mossy boulder and held still, under the looming shadow of the canopy. Maya's knees gave way, and she crouched on the grass. Her entire body was trembling, panting, from fear, fatigue, worry, and confusion.
Rory noticed and knelt beside her. He looked at her worriedly.
"Maya," he whispered, barely there, "Hey… It's okay. I'm here."
She swallowed hard. "No, it's not. We—we're not okay," she choked out, voice trembling.
Rory slowly reached out, resting his hand lightly on her arm — warm, grounding, a silent plea for her to keep breathing.
"I know," he whispered, "I'm scared too."
It was those words that broke her. He wasn't pretending to be strong. He wasn't hiding behind logic or strategy — he was afraid, just like she was.
He gently moved a strand of hair from her trembling face. The air felt still between them, his eyes searching hers, before leaning closer.
Their lips touched — a soft, trembling kiss that was nothing like she had imagined. Maya's hands found his face, fingers shaking, thumbs brushing his cheeks like she was afraid he would disappear if she let go.
They pulled away, their eyes met, heart racing.
Rory gently wiped her tears, "Maya...I know this isn't the best time, but I like you... a lot, and whatever happens, I'm with you."
"I like you too, Rory," Maya smiled and hugged him tightly, finding comfort in his arms.
He then scans the area, "We have to move and find the others," he said, helping her up.
Maya nods, "Okay, let's go."
On the other side of the forest, Sam walked silently through the trees.
He had followed Ethan after the group split — moving quietly, tracking Ethan from a distance. Ethan had run north, desperate to get back to the river, clutching his map like a lifeline.
He found Ethan near the base of an oak tree, trying to catch his breath.
"You okay?" Sam asked blithely.
Ethan turned, startled. "Sam? Where did—"
"I came to find you before that monster did."
There was a long pause. Ethan looked at him with tired eyes. "I couldn't find Lena. We need to regroup and find the others."
Sam tilted his head, voice calm, almost casual. "Do we?"
Ethan stared, "What's that supposed to mean?"
Sam didn't answer right away. He just looked at him — really looked — with a gaze that was too sharp, too focused. He steps closer.
Then Sam smiled. It didn't reach his eyes.
"You know, Ethan," he said quietly, "you're strong. Smart. A natural leader."
Ethan blinked, confused by the sudden praise. "Thanks?"
"It's why they listen to you...and not me," Sam said as he reached for his pocket.
Ethan felt a chill down his spine and frowned, "What are you talking about—"
The last thing Ethan saw was Sam above him. An eerie grin on his face. A sharp pain coursed through his abdomen. He looked down and saw blood on his hands.
Sam took the map from Ethan's hand, then ran into the distance.
Ethan tearfully looks at the sky, remembering the soft smile of his wife back home, wishing he could see her again. Then he blacked out.