Allison's heartbeat gradually calmed as she sank into the darkness amid the residual waves of energy. When she opened her eyes again, everything around her felt strange and unsettling. The cold, damp air surrounded her, and the shadows seemed to hide unknown dangers. She slowly sat up, only to realize that she was surrounded.
Around her stood werewolves, their tall figures silently watching her with gleaming silver eyes. There were no growls, no threats; they simply stared in silence. The oppressive atmosphere made her heart race, and her palms were already slick with cold sweat. She cautiously stood up, remaining alert but calm.
Just as she was about to speak, Lucas emerged from the darkness. His presence seemed to dispel the surrounding gloom as he stepped closer, positioning himself between Allison and the pack. His gaze was steady, yet it carried a soothing quality.
"You are safe," his voice was low, yet impossible to ignore, carrying an undeniable strength.
Allison looked at him, confusion and questions flooding her mind. "They are..." Before she could finish her sentence, Lucas nodded slightly.
"Werewolves," he replied simply, his eyes still fixed on her, "our kin."
Allison's breath quickened as she felt the surreal nature of everything before her, almost like a dream. Last night's experiment, the out-of-control energy, the werewolves, the portal… everything wove together in her mind into a complex tapestry of mystery. She took a deep breath, suppressing the chaos within her. "Why did you bring me here?"
Lucas looked at her, a deep emotion flashing in his eyes. "I want you to understand that our world is closely linked to yours. Werewolves are not just legends; we have an inseparable connection with the fiber energy. And you, Allison, your experiment has disrupted this balance and awakened a more powerful force."
Allison stood frozen in place, momentarily speechless, as doubts swirled in her mind like a thick fog. She followed Lucas through the group of werewolves, gradually realizing that this hidden community was far more complex than she had imagined. The stone walls were carved with patterns and ancient symbols, seeming to whisper a lost history. The air was filled with a mysterious energy fluctuation, reminiscent of the familiar power she had felt during her experiment last night.
"We coexist with fiber energy," Lucas said as they walked, his tone revealing deep contemplation, "but many years ago, a disaster disrupted this balance. The fiber energy became uncontrollable, and we were forced to hide."
Allison followed closely behind, looking up at the ancient murals, a sense of unease welling up inside her. "Why do you hide? What does fiber energy… have to do with my experiment?"
Lucas stopped and turned to face her, his expression turning unusually serious. "Your experiment is not just a reconstruction of matter. Fiber technology is a power left behind by our ancestors. Through it, you can alter matter and reshape energy. And now, you may be the only one capable of regaining control of this power."
Allison furrowed her brow slightly, memories of last night replaying in her mind—the uncontrolled energy, the mysterious call, and the power she had felt. Could it be that the fiber energy was indeed calling out to her? She suddenly felt that she was not just a scientist; a deeper connection seemed slowly surfacing.
They arrived at the center of the community, where a stone altar stood silently. Lucas gestured for her to come closer. The altar was engraved with intricate symbols, and at its center was an ancient painting depicting werewolves wielding fiber energy, fiercely battling some unknown entity. In the painting, the fiber energy seemed almost alive, flowing through the air to form a solid barrier.
"This is our past," Lucas's voice was low and solemn. "We once protected the fiber energy, but it lost control. And now, Allison, your presence may change everything."
Allison felt an unsettling power rising within her; she was unsure if she wanted to shoulder this responsibility. "So, what do you want me to do?"
Lucas nodded gently, as if he had anticipated her reaction. "We need your strength. You can activate the fiber energy, and this power is crucial to us. Otherwise, we will never restore the balance."
"How could I have such power?" Allison's voice trembled slightly, unable to believe that she could influence something so significant.
Lucas's gaze was firm yet gentle. "Because you have a special connection with the fiber energy. I can't explain why, but you can feel it, right?"
Allison fell silent, her thoughts drifting back to last night's experiment and the mysterious call. Indeed, she had felt it. That force seemed to be calling out to her, as if it were an inseparable part of her destiny. Her breath quickened, and her hands instinctively clenched.
"We have an ancient ritual," Lucas continued, "that can help you better control the fiber energy. Are you willing to try?"
Allison hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded. She knew there was no turning back; no matter how dangerous the future might be, she had to understand her connection to the fiber energy.
The ritual began, and the surrounding werewolves gathered around the altar, softly chanting ancient incantations. Allison stood at the center of the altar, feeling a powerful energy slowly gathering around her. The fiber energy enveloped her body like an invisible chain.
She closed her eyes, trying to focus and communicate with that force. The energy fluctuations grew stronger, her heartbeat quickening as if she were being pulled into the vortex of fiber energy.
Suddenly, a strong vibration shook the air. Allison opened her eyes wide, stunned by the sight before her. The fiber energy formed an unstable portal under her control, swirling violently throughout the space. From the other side of the portal came a deep, resonant call.
"Allison..." The voice was profound and unfamiliar, yet carried a sense of familiarity.
Her body instinctively leaned forward, as if drawn by that voice. Just as she was about to touch the portal, a hand suddenly grasped her wrist.
"Don't go in!" Lucas's voice was filled with anxiety and warning.
Allison's gaze met his, instantly snapping her back to reality. She looked at the energy portal, her heart filled with unease and confusion. "What is that?"
Lucas did not answer, tightly gripping her hand and pulling her back to the present. "Whatever it is, it's not something you should face right now."
At that moment, the laboratory door was suddenly flung open. Selas appeared in the doorway, his expression grim, scanning between the two of them.
"Allison," Selas's voice was low and menacing, "you need to leave here immediately."
Allison stared at Selas in shock, unsure of how he had suddenly appeared and why he knew all of this.
"Selas, how did you find us?" Lucas's voice was calm but defensive, clearly distrustful of him.
Selas's gaze was firmly fixed on Allison, his expression confident and resolute, as if he had anticipated everything. "I have my ways," he said. "But what's crucial now is that, Allison, you cannot stay here any longer."
Allison stood between Lucas and Selas, her mind swirling with countless questions and uncertainties. She wasn't sure whom to trust or what choice to make next. The mysterious and alluring voice still echoed in her mind, like a call from fate, leading her toward an unknown and mysterious future.