The Spare's Second Chance in Apocalypse-Chapter 118: Ch : Paranoia- Part 3

Ethan shoved his hands into his pockets, his expression a mix of guilt and defiance as he walked alongside Selene.

"Sorry for getting us kicked out like that."

He muttered, but he did not sound sorry at all. It almost seemed as if Ethan was happy to have gotten them kicked out of the facility.

’This fucker! Look at him pretending to be all innocent and smile now. He knew exactly what he was doing. But I cannot ask this. I have a feeling it will only make him feel more excited.’

Selene glanced at him, a small smile tugging at her lips.

"It’s fine. I expected it."

Her calm acceptance made Ethan’s shoulders relax, but the hint of a smug grin on his face did not go unnoticed. She narrowed her eyes at him, wiping that satisfaction away instantly.

’Fuck! I feel even more irritated now. But no! I cannot show it. Just smile at him, Selene. Just smile.’

"But don’t get any ideas. This is not an invitation to pull this stunt again."

Ethan looked appropriately sheepish, his gaze darting to the ground, but Selene caught the mischievous glint in his eyes.

’Ugh this man! He just does not listen, does he? Does Ethan get off on causing me trouble?’

She sighed, knowing he would do it again the moment he thought it necessary. Expecting anything else from him was foolishness on her part.

"Come on. We’re heading home."

She said, turning toward the exit.

They made their way through the winding corridors of the government facility, passing by officials and staff who seemed far too eager to look anywhere but at them.

As they crossed the main gate, a sudden prickling at the back of Selene’s neck made her pause.

She activated her Insight, and immediately, the world sharpened.

Someone was approaching—fast. But she could not see anyone in her vicinity.

Her body moved instinctively, and Ethan mirrored her, both of them slipping into a defensive stance.

The figure darted through the shadows, barely more than a blur, but before either of them could strike, a voice called out.

"Wait! It’s me! Don’t attack me. I do not mean any harm."

The invisibility ability fell away, and Lyra appeared, breathing heavily. She raised her hands in surrender, her eyes wide. freeweɓnovel.cøm

Selene lowered her weapon slightly but did not drop her guard. She recognized Rose Grayson’s partner but she could out what that female wanted from her.

"Who are you and what do you want from us?"

Ethan quickly moved between Selene and this unknown female and he remained vigilant. However, Selene decided to give Lyra a chance.

The only reason she knew Lyra’s name was because of her past life. She had heard about Lyra’s death and the things that sparked because of it.

Selene would rather prevent that fate, but if she could not, then she wanted to be as far away from Lyra as possible.

"What do you want, Lyra?"

Lyra hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line.

"I came to warn you. Rose—he’s not himself. Something’s wrong. He’s losing it, and I’m afraid he’ll do something dangerous soon."

Ethan’s grip tightened around his weapon, and Selene shot him a look, silently urging him to hold back.

"Why are you telling me this?"

She asked.

"I want to take precautions before I’m forced to run for my life. He’s obsessed with you, so there is a chance that he might come for you. I just don’t want to die as a result of his foolish acts."

Lyra admitted.

Selene raised an eyebrow.

"If you’re that scared, why not run now? Why wait for things to get worse for yourself?"

Lyra’s shoulders slumped, and a complicated mix of emotions crossed her face.

"It’s my responsibility. I can’t just abandon him.""

She said quietly.

Something in Lyra’s expression—a flicker of pain, a spark of longing—made Selene pause.

"Are you in love with him?"

The silence that followed was answer enough. Lyra didn’t need to say anything. The way she bit her lip, the way her eyes darted away, spoke volumes.

Selene’s expression softened, just a fraction.

"Be careful, Lyra. Your loyalty could get you killed. Nothing is worth giving your life over."

Selene spoke carefully, but she felt like a hypocrite when she said this. After all, even she knew that she gave her life for love once.

And she could do it again if it was asked of her.

’I’m a walking body of contradictions. I cannot believe this is what things have come down to for me.’

Lyra nodded, then turned and slipped back into the shadows, vanishing as quickly as she had appeared.

Selene stood there for a moment, processing the encounter. Finally, she shook her head and motioned for Ethan to follow.

"Let’s go."

______

The walk home was quiet, both of them lost in their thoughts. By the time they reached their temporary residence, the sun was setting, casting a warm, amber glow over everything.

During dinner, Selene found herself distracted.

The conversation around the table was muted, with Zara discussing crafting techniques and Orion sharing a funny story from their last mission.

Selene nodded along, but her mind kept circling back to Lyra’s warning.

After the meal, Selene switched on the television, hoping for a distraction. Instead, the news report made her blood run cold.

"...increasing concern over the rise of unsolved kidnapping cases. The majority of the missing individuals are support-type awakeners, making authorities suspect an organized effort behind these abductions. So far, there are no leads, and the families of the victims are urging the government to take action..."

The anchor’s voice droned on, but Selene had heard enough. She gripped the edge of the couch, her knuckles turning white.

Ethan, who had been lounging nearby, noticed the change in her demeanor.

"Something wrong?"

"Support-type awakeners. They’re being targeted."

Selene murmured.

Zara and Orion stopped their conversation, both turning to Selene with concern.

"What do you think it means?"

Orion asked.

"I don’t know. But it does feel like I need to be careful when I go out."