Aether stood silently before the metallic door. He leaned forward, entering the long code with steady fingers. The door didn't just open—it flinched, jerking slightly as if startled, before sliding open with a low mechanical hiss.
"Xara?" Aether called softly into the dim room, but there was no response.
He stepped inside cautiously, and his breath caught for a second.
The entire room had been transformed. Every trace of its previous purpose was gone. In its place were countless blood jars, bottles stacked methodically across shelves, and bizarre creatures sealed in tanks—some alive, twitching, others suspended, unmoving. The smell of chemicals, old blood, and disinfectant lingered faintly in the air.
He had no idea what some of these animals were or why she'd brought them here. But knowing Xara... she had her reasons.
