Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 11 - Chapitre 17

Guests still filled the house, yet Everett felt the entire world become silent. His aide's words reached him with unbearable clarity."Colonel. Colonel." Daniel called him repeatedly.Every trace of color left Everett's face, and his eyes went red and raw. His body moved before thought returned, carrying him unsteadily toward the yard.Estelle followed and shouted, "Where do you think you're going? Come back."Everett turned toward her without expression. He suddenly remembered Mrs. Dawson whispering to his mother that morning."The mortuary wants me to identify someone," he said faintly."It is my birthday. Go tomorrow. That miserable woman has always brought misfortune. Even dead, she ruins the day."Estelle's indifference was absolute. Everett hated himself for not pressing her that morning, when the first warning had already reached him.He ignored her and climbed into the car. Daniel followed into the driver's seat.Before the engine fully turned over, Lydia tore open the

When Julia opened her eyes, every part of the room was unfamiliar.She moved one hand and felt cool fluid entering through an IV line. Looking around, she seemed not yet fully awake.Silas Arden entered carrying fruit and stopped when he saw her conscious. He set everything down, hurried to support her, and arranged the pillows behind her."Ms. Fenner, you're finally awake. Are you in pain? I'll get the physician." Silas turned and rushed from the room.The doctor arrived quickly, performed a brief examination, asked several questions, and instructed Julia to rest.Sunlight filled the window. Julia narrowed her eyes and remembered the fire, Lydia's attempt to kill her, and the Project 403 team breaking into the discipline room before the flames reached her."Ms. Fenner, have an apple. The doctor says you need fruit and vitamins." Silas held out the peeled fruit and placed the small knife safely on the table.Julia accepted it and studied him. Something about his face seemed fami

After the breakthrough, Julia spent nearly every waking hour in the laboratory and sometimes forgot meals entirely.Station leadership ordered every researcher to protect their health. Each evening, Silas supervised Julia's dinner and made her walk outside before returning to work.A month had passed since she arrived. Mountain temperatures were already dropping, and Julia's thin coat left her hands constantly cold.Silas built her a small hand warmer. One autumn evening, a falling leaf settled in her hair.He watched her for a moment and reached toward it. Julia noticed and stepped back instinctively."I only wanted to remove the leaf." His voice was quiet, and his eyes held unmistakable tenderness.Something tightened in Julia's chest. After a brief hesitation, she remained still. Silas lifted the leaf gently and slipped it into his coat pocket."Julia, I planned to wait until you remembered me, but I don't think you have." Silas looked down with a self-conscious smile.Befor

Julia left the laboratory after dark, with Silas beside her as usual. He waited almost every evening so they could walk back together.Everyone at Briar Ridge understood that Silas loved her.After Everett's intrusion, Silas did not confess again. Julia had said she was not ready, so he would wait. Time was one thing he believed they still had.As usual, he walked her to the entrance of the women's dormitory."The dining hall is making the vegetable rolls you like tomorrow morning. Should I bring you some?"His eyes were so bright and hopeful that he looked almost boyishly eager, and Julia could not make herself refuse."All right."That simple answer filled him with joy. Even his back seemed lighter as he walked away beneath the moon.After he disappeared, Julia turned toward the stairs and found Everett waiting in the dark corridor."Why are you here?"He stood in shadow, and instinct warned her before she could see his expression."Julia, I miss you. I came to take you wi