Chapter 24:
Eternal Code
Ren’s Arrival
Ren leaned casually against the doorframe, his sharp eyes scanning the room as if assessing its worth—or lack thereof. His polished demeanor seemed out of place in Gaona’s humble apartment, and Gaona felt his irritation simmering just beneath the surface.
“Good morning,” Ren said smoothly, his tone carrying an edge of condescension. He didn’t wait for an invitation, stepping inside unprompted. His gaze lingered on Lyris, who stood near the window, her glowing blue eyes watching him warily.
“I came to check on your little setup here,” Ren began, glancing at Gaona. “A Ministry property of such value deserves… close supervision.”
“She’s not ‘property,’” Gaona said, crossing his arms. “And you’re not welcome here.”
Ren’s smirk widened. “You misunderstand, Gaona. I’m not here for your permission. I’m here to ensure Lyris’s loyalty remains… uncompromised.”
---
Lyris Speaks Out
Lyris stepped forward, her tall figure commanding the room as her gaze fixed on Ren. “My loyalty is to life,” she said, her voice even but firm. “I will not compromise on that directive.”
Ren chuckled, circling her like a predator sizing up prey. “Life, is it? Interesting choice of words for an Archon. But what happens when loyalty to life conflicts with loyalty to him?” He nodded toward Gaona, his smirk growing colder.
Gaona bristled. “Leave her out of this, Ren. If you have something to say, say it to me.”
“Oh, Gaona,” Ren said, his tone mocking. “You’re so very small in all of this. Do you really think you matter in the grand scheme? She’s a marvel of technology, an achievement that transcends you. And yet… here you are, clinging to her like she’s your lifeline.”
Lyris’s gaze hardened, her voice steady. “You underestimate him.”
Portillo / Eternal Code /
Portillo / Eternal Code /
Ren’s smirk faltered for a moment before he turned on his heel. “We’ll see,” he said cryptically. “But for your sake, Gaona, don’t get too comfortable. Attachments have a way of making you weak.”
With that, he left, his footsteps echoing down the hall.
---
Alina Arrives
The tense atmosphere lingered even after Ren’s departure. Gaona let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding, glancing at Lyris, who remained stoic.
Before he could say anything, another knock sounded at the door. Gaona opened it cautiously, only to find Alina standing there, her expression a mix of worry and relief.
“Gaona,” she said, her voice soft but urgent. “Can I come in?”
He nodded, stepping aside to let her in. She hesitated briefly, her gaze catching on Lyris, who stood silently by the window. The two women exchanged polite nods before Alina turned back to Gaona.
“I’m sorry to drop in like this,” she began, wringing her hands. “But… it’s Ren. I don’t know what’s happening with him, Gaona. He’s changed.”
Gaona frowned, gesturing for her to sit. “You’re not the first person to say that today,” he said. “He was just here.”
Alina’s eyes widened. “Here? Why?”
“To check on Lyris, apparently,” Gaona replied, his tone laced with frustration. “He’s obsessed with her.”
Alina’s gaze shifted to Lyris, her brow furrowing. “I don’t understand what he’s after anymore. He’s… distant. Secretive. And he keeps talking about the Ministry like it’s more important than anything else.”
Lyris, who had remained silent, finally spoke. “Ren seeks control. It is his nature.”
The room fell quiet for a moment as Alina processed her words. She looked at Gaona, her expression softening. “I just needed to see you,” she admitted. “I don’t know what’s happening anymore, but… being here helps.”
Gaona gave her a reassuring smile, but before he could respond, he noticed Lyris watching them closely. Her normally composed expression was slightly tense, her hands clasped
Portillo / Eternal Code /
Portillo / Eternal Code /
tightly at her sides.
---
Lyris Acknowledges Her Jealousy
That evening, after Alina had left, Gaona sat at the table, his thoughts heavy. Lyris stood by the window, staring out into the city lights. She had been quiet since Alina’s visit, and Gaona could feel the weight of her unspoken thoughts.
“Lyris?” he ventured carefully. “You okay?”
She turned to him, her glowing eyes meeting his. “I am… conflicted,” she admitted. “When Alina speaks with you, I experience… discomfort.”
Gaona blinked, caught off guard. “Discomfort? Like… pain?”
“Not pain,” she said, tilting her head slightly. “But a… burning sensation. Here.” She placed a hand over her chest, where her heart chamber lay.
Gaona’s cheeks reddened as he realized what she was describing. “Lyris… I think that’s jealousy.”
“Jealousy,” she repeated, testing the word. “I do not understand why I would feel such an emotion.”
Gaona hesitated, unsure how to explain. “It’s… when you care about someone so much that you don’t want to share them. It’s not a bad thing, necessarily, but… it can be complicated.”
Lyris seemed to ponder this, her gaze softening. “I do not wish for you to be taken from me,” she said simply.
Gaona’s heart ached at her honesty. “I’m not going anywhere, Lyris. I promise.”
---
Ren Meets with Aria
Later that night, Ren stepped into the shadows of a quiet alley, his face illuminated by the faint glow of a streetlamp. From the other end of the alley, Aria approached, her normally bright demeanor replaced with an unsettling stillness.
“You called for me,” she said, her voice devoid of its usual warmth.
Ren smirked, his hands in his pockets. “It’s time we discussed your purpose, Aria.”
Portillo / Eternal Code /
Portillo / Eternal Code /
She tilted her head slightly, her expression blank. “I await your instructions.”
Ren stepped closer, his voice low. “Gaona has become… an asset. But assets can become liabilities if not properly managed. You’re to continue observing him. Stay close, gain his trust.”
“And if he becomes a liability?” Aria asked, her tone eerily calm.
Ren’s smile darkened. “You’ll know what to do.”
Aria nodded once, turning and walking away without another word. Ren watched her go, his smirk fading as his expression turned cold and calculating.
—
________________
Please log in to leave a comment.