Chapter 15: Splintered Loyalties
Ethan woke to a sharp chill running down his spine, the remnants of the Codex's vision lingering in his mind. The image of the massive, shadowy figure and the whispered warning about betrayal wouldn't leave him.
Kaden's voice broke his reverie as the group sat together at their makeshift table, mapping out their next steps.
"We can't stay here much longer," Kaden said, tracing a route on the map. "The Concord knows we're in the city. It's only a matter of time before they track us down."
"And then what?" Aria asked, her tone sharp. "Run again? Because that's been working out so well."
"We don't have the manpower to face them head-on," Kaden snapped. "Unless you've suddenly found a hidden army, we stick to evasion."
"Maybe we wouldn't need an army if we had a better plan," Aria countered.
Ethan glanced at Selene, who sat quietly at the edge of the room, sharpening her dagger. She seemed disinterested in the argument, but Ethan could sense her calculating gaze.
"Enough," Ethan said, his voice firmer than usual. The room went silent as all eyes turned to him.
"We're in this together," he continued. "If we can't trust each other, we've already lost."
Aria looked away, her jaw tightening. Kaden sighed but nodded.
Selene smirked. "Touching speech. Let's hope it's enough to keep us alive."
A Dangerous Proposition
As the group dispersed to prepare for their move, Selene approached Ethan.
"You're starting to sound like a leader," she said, her tone teasing.
"Not sure I want to be," Ethan replied, still uneasy about the vision. "What do you want, Selene?"
She leaned closer, her voice dropping. "I've been thinking about what I said last night—about the Codex being a beacon."
Ethan frowned. "And?"
"I know someone who might be able to confirm it. Someone who's been studying artifacts like the Codex for years."
"Who?"
"Dr. Calder," Selene said. "He used to work for the Concord before he went underground. He's paranoid and not exactly friendly, but if anyone knows what the Codex is summoning, it's him."
Ethan hesitated. "Why didn't you mention this sooner?"
"Because it's risky," Selene admitted. "Finding Calder means traveling into Concord territory. But if we don't get answers soon, we'll be fighting blind."
Ethan's mind raced. Calder might hold the key to understanding the Codex, but the idea of venturing deeper into enemy territory was daunting.
"I'll think about it," he said finally.
Selene nodded, her expression unreadable.
Aria's Secrets
Later that night, Ethan kept an eye on Aria as she slipped out of the warehouse once again. He followed her, careful to stay hidden in the shadows.
Aria led him to a small, abandoned chapel on the outskirts of the city. Inside, she met with a man in a long coat, his face obscured by a hood.
Ethan crept closer, his heart pounding as he listened to their conversation.
"You're cutting it close," the man said. "The Concord is getting impatient."
"I know," Aria replied, her voice tense. "But Kaden's not an idiot. He's been watching me like a hawk."
"And the boy?"
Aria hesitated. "He's… stronger than I expected. The Codex responds to him in ways I've never seen before."
The man chuckled. "That's why they want him. Keep him close, but don't get attached. When the time comes, you know what you have to do."
Aria's fists clenched. "I don't need you to remind me."
Ethan felt a surge of betrayal. He clenched his fists, anger bubbling beneath the surface. But he forced himself to stay silent, slipping away before Aria could notice him.
Plans in Motion
The next morning, Ethan couldn't shake his anger as the group prepared to leave the warehouse. He kept glancing at Aria, her words from the night before echoing in his mind.
"Something on your mind?" Kaden asked, noticing Ethan's distraction.
Ethan hesitated. He wanted to tell Kaden about Aria, but part of him wasn't ready to believe she could truly betray them.
"Just tired," Ethan said finally.
Kaden gave him a skeptical look but didn't press further.
As the group set out, Selene led the way, guiding them toward Calder's supposed location. The journey was tense, the group walking in near silence.
Ethan stayed near the back, keeping a wary eye on Aria. She seemed calm, even cheerful, but Ethan couldn't shake the feeling that she was hiding something.
The Concord Strikes Again
Their path led them through an old industrial district, its towering factories abandoned and crumbling.
"We're close," Selene said, scanning the area. "Calder's bunker should be just ahead."
Before anyone could respond, a deafening roar shattered the silence.
A Concord dropship descended from the sky, its cannons swiveling toward the group. Soldiers poured out, their weapons aimed.
"Ambush!" Kaden shouted, drawing his gun.
Ethan raised the Codex, its energy flaring to life. He created a barrier to shield the group from the initial barrage, but the strain was immediate.
"Fall back!" Selene shouted, her dagger flashing as she took down the nearest soldier.
Ethan struggled to maintain the barrier as the soldiers advanced. His breath came in ragged gasps, the Codex draining his strength.
"We need to move!" Kaden yelled, firing at the dropship.
Ethan focused all his energy into a final burst, blasting the soldiers back and buying them precious seconds to retreat.
They dashed into a nearby factory, barricading the doors behind them.
"That was too close," Aria said, panting.
"Someone tipped them off," Selene muttered, her eyes narrowing.
Ethan's gaze flicked to Aria, his suspicions deepening.
A Silent Resolve
As the group caught their breath, Ethan felt the weight of the Codex in his hands. He had trusted Aria, but now doubt consumed him.
One of them will betray you, the Codex's whisper reminded him.
Ethan clenched his fists, determination hardening in his chest.
Whatever Aria's motives, he would uncover the truth. And when the time came, he would be ready.
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