Sophia arrived at the central hub, her eyes scanning the bustling area for Lyrien. She spotted him standing by a large viewport, his gaze fixed on the stars outside. As she approached, he turned to face her, his eyes shining with an otherworldly intensity.
"Sophia, we must talk," he said, his voice low and urgent. "The artifact has chosen you for a reason. You have a crucial role to play in the fate of the galaxy."
Sophia's mind raced with questions, but before she could ask any, Lyrien continued, "Ryan is not who he seems. He is hiding something from you, something that could change the course of your journey."
Sophia's heart skipped a beat. She had suspected as much, but to hear it confirmed was a shock.
"What is it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Lyrien hesitated, as if choosing his words carefully. "Ryan is not just a scientist. He is a guardian, a protector of the artifact and the secrets it holds. But he has his own agenda, one that may not align with yours."
Sophia felt a shiver run down her spine. She had trusted Ryan, but now she wasn't so sure.
"What do I do?" she asked, feeling a sense of uncertainty.
Lyrien's expression was solemn. "You must be cautious, Sophia. The path ahead will be treacherous. But know this: you are not alone. I am with you, and together, we will uncover the truth."
And with that, Lyrien's words trailed off, leaving Sophia to ponder the secrets and lies that surrounded her.