The figure emerged from the shadows, tall and imposing. Nova's hand rested on her gun, her eyes narrowed.
"Elijah," Phoenix said, a hint of relief in his voice. "Thanks for agreeing to meet."
Elijah's gaze swept over us before settling on me. "The infamous Ethan. You're quite the prize."
I bristled at his tone, but Nova intervened. "Elijah's a former Agency operative. He can help us."
Elijah's smile twisted. "Help? I'm here for my own reasons. The Agency's getting reckless."
Maya stepped forward. "What do you know about the NeuroCore?"
Elijah leaned against the alley wall. "Enough to know it's a Pandora's box. Enhancing human cognition comes with a price."
Phoenix's eyes locked onto Elijah. "What price?"
Elijah's gaze turned cold. "Sanity. Free will. The Agency's willing to sacrifice both for global control."
My mind reeled. "What does this have to do with my parents?"
Elijah's expression softened. "Your parents discovered the NeuroCore's true potential. They tried to stop it."
Suddenly, Elijah's phone buzzed. His expression darkened.
"What is it?" Nova asked.
Elijah's voice turned grim. "The Agency's tracking us. We have minutes before they arrive."