Alex's mind was spinning. The sight of him—someone they had thought was back in their own world—standing with these armored figures in this strange dimension sent a chill down his spine. He had so many questions but no answers. And there wasn't time to wait for any.
"We need to figure out what he's doing here," Alex whispered. "If he's with them, it can't be good."
Lyra nodded. "Agreed. But we can't just walk up to him and ask. We need a plan."
Alex's gaze drifted back to the armored figures. "Maybe… we get close enough to listen. We need to know what they're saying and why they're here."
Lyra glanced around the chamber, her eyes narrowing as she assessed their options. "There," she pointed to a stack of crates near the corner of the room. "We can hide behind those and get closer."
They moved cautiously, ducking behind the crates and edging closer to the group. The voices grew louder, and the tall figure in the center spoke in a commanding tone, gesturing toward a large, pulsating device in the middle of the room.
Alex squinted at the device. It looked like some kind of gateway or portal, swirling with a mix of colors and light. The air around it seemed to vibrate with raw energy.
"What is that?" Lyra whispered.
"I think… it's a portal," Alex replied. "But to where?"
The traitor stepped forward, speaking in a low, confident voice that carried an unsettling familiarity. He pointed to a spot on the portal and made a series of gestures.
The tall figure nodded, and one of the armored men handed him a small device. He took it with a smirk, and for a moment, his gaze swept the room. Alex and Lyra ducked lower, holding their breath.
"We need to get out of here," Lyra muttered. "Now."
Alex nodded, but as they turned to leave, the crate they were hiding behind suddenly shifted, causing a loud clattering noise. The figures all turned toward the sound, and Alex's heart sank.
"Who's there?" the traitor demanded, his eyes narrowing.
Lyra grabbed Alex's hand. "Run!" she hissed.
They bolted, their footsteps echoing in the chamber. The armored figures shouted, and Alex heard the familiar whirring of drones activating again.
"This way!" Alex yelled, pulling Lyra down a narrow hallway. They sprinted through the twisting corridors, the sound of pursuit close behind.
Just when it seemed like they were cornered, a door slid open ahead of them, and a hand reached out, grabbing Alex and yanking him inside. Lyra followed, and the door closed with a hiss, sealing them in.
Alex spun around to see who had pulled them in. It was a young man, about their age, with dark hair and piercing blue eyes. He was dressed in simple clothes, but there was an intensity in his gaze that made Alex wary.
"Who are you?" Lyra demanded.
The young man held up his hands in a gesture of peace. "Relax. I'm not your enemy. Name's Kael. I've been watching you two since you arrived."
Alex frowned. "Watching us? Why?"
Kael smirked. "Because you're not from around here, are you? And you're clearly in way over your heads."
Lyra's eyes narrowed. "So, what, you're some kind of spy?"
Kael shook his head. "No, but I know this place better than you do. And I think we can help each other."
Alex crossed his arms. "Why should we trust you?"
Kael shrugged. "You don't have much choice, do you? Those guys back there? They're not going to stop hunting you. But I know a way out—if you're willing to make a deal."
Lyra glanced at Alex, and he could see the uncertainty in her eyes. "What kind of deal?" she asked.
Kael's smile widened. "You help me get something I need from the Nexus, and I'll help you find a way back to your world. Fair trade, don't you think?"
Alex hesitated. He didn't like the idea of making deals with strangers, especially in a place like this. But Kael was right—they didn't have many options.
"What is it you need?" Alex asked cautiously.
Kael's expression grew serious. "There's a key—an artifact that controls the portals here. If I can get it, I can help you get back home. But it's heavily guarded, and I can't do it alone."
Lyra looked at Alex. "What do you think?"
Alex sighed. "I think… we don't have much of a choice. But if you're lying to us…"
Kael raised an eyebrow. "You'll what? Punch me? You're welcome to try, but I'm your best shot at getting out of this alive."
Alex nodded reluctantly. "Alright. We'll help you. But you better keep your end of the bargain."
Kael grinned. "Oh, don't worry. I always keep my promises."