The Black mamba

The vault doors screeched and groaned as they opened, revealing a vast, mist-filled space. White marble walls gleamed under the harsh, sterile light, lined with rows of glass-fronted cells that resembled a futuristic prison. Each cell contained a black bed, a small study table, and a clock mounted on the wall. From the mist, two dark silhouettes emerged—Zaulkom and the General, their imposing presence cutting through the stillness.

As they walked along the corridor of cells, a group of frantic scientists rushed toward them. "What's happening outside? What's all that shaking?" one of them asked, panic evident in his voice.

"Pack everything and prepare to burn it all. We're evacuating," the General ordered, his tone devoid of emotion.

"Wait. Where is she?" Zaulkom interjected, his voice sharp with impatience.

"Who?" the scientist stammered.

"You know who I mean—HER," Zaulkom snapped.

"Do you mean Fal—?"

"Yes," Zaulkom interrupted harshly.

The scientist swallowed nervously and pointed toward the end of the long hallway. "This way, sir."

The scene descended into chaos as scientists scrambled to collect files, stacking them for destruction. Zaulkom and the General, led by the trembling scientist, strode to a cell at the end of the hall. Inside, a girl with black-and-white hair sat curled up on the corner of the bed, her small frame illuminated by the cold, artificial light.

Zaulkom turned to the scientist. "We're taking her. Unlock it. NOW," he barked.

The door buzzed open, and Zaulkom stepped inside as the General lingered in the doorway, his expression unreadable. The scientist hesitated. "What about the other children, sir?" he asked quietly.

Zaulkom paused, his back to the others. "I said burn everything, didn't I?" he replied coldly. Then, turning to the girl, his tone softened as he extended a hand toward her. "Come. It's time to go."

The blackened remains of the vault stretched out before Thaurex and Ruco, a haunting shadow of the horrors it had once contained. Smoke hung heavy in the air, curling around the scorched walls and shattered glass cells. Tiny flames flickered in defiance, illuminating the emptiness where life had once been.

Thaurex's breath hitched as he sprinted down the corridor, his boots crunching on debris. He peered into each cell, his eyes darting frantically. "No, no, no!" he muttered under his breath, desperation rising. "She has to be here!"

Ruco followed at a slower pace, his movements cautious as the weight of the scene pressed on him. He scanned the charred remains of the cells, his gaze settling on something small and brittle on the ground. A faint crunch sounded as he stepped on it. He crouched to inspect it, and his breath caught in his throat—a burnt, child-sized hand.

He recoiled, stumbling backward into the wall. His mind spun, the horrific sight searing into his memory. His hands trembled as he let the remains fall, and he sank to the floor in shock.

A flash of memory jolted through him: Thaurex sitting across from him at the bar, gripping his drink tightly.

"They're experimenting on children," Thaurex had said, his voice cold and flat. "Smautherian children. My people. They use some of us as soldiers, others as lab rats. Those kids? They're... a window into something terrifying. Before puberty, Smautherians can develop telekinesis—but only for a short time. Most of us miss it. I did. But Falethier... she's different. Half Smautherian, half human. They attacked my planet to take her, separating us. They said she was dead, but it was a lie."

Ruco had leaned in closer, frowning as Thaurex continued, his tone dark. "She's not the only one. That vault is full of Smautherian children. Umbra Keep is the devil, Ruco. Don't forget that."

The memory faded, dragging Ruco back to the present. His gaze fixed on the hand again, bile rising in his throat. "Gods," he whispered.

Thaurex's voice broke through the fog. "She's not here!" he shouted, his voice raw. "They must've taken her before evacuating. These burns are fresh—they can't be far!" He stormed over to Ruco, grabbing him by the collar and hauling him up.

"Ruco!" Thaurex's eyes burned with determination. "Let's go. She's out there, and I'm not stopping until we find her."

Ruco hesitated, his legs unsteady beneath him. He cast one last glance at the charred remnants of the vault, then nodded. "All right," he said hoarsely. "Let's move."

Together, they sprinted out of the ruined vault, leaving the ash and flames behind as Thaurex's relentless resolve pushed them forward.