Maya's words hung in the air like a challenge. "Ethan, your parents' research was more than just scientific curiosity. It was a warning."
"A warning about what?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.
"The Eclipse Project," Maya replied, her voice low. "It's a covert operation, hiding in plain sight. They're manipulating world events, shaping the future to their advantage."
Nova entered the kitchen, her eyes locked onto Maya. "You're telling him too much."
Maya's gaze didn't waver. "Ethan deserves the truth. He's the key to stopping them."
Rachel appeared beside Nova, her expression guarded. "Maya's right. Ethan needs to know."
I felt like I was unraveling a thread, pulling apart a carefully woven tapestry. "What do you mean, I'm the key?"
Maya's eyes locked onto mine. "Your parents discovered something critical. Something the Agency will kill to keep hidden."
Suddenly, the farmhouse's peacefulness shattered. Glass shattered, and bullets ripped through the air.
"Incoming!" Nova yelled, dragging me to the floor.