(So I wasn’t just hearing things...) Emily thought, her gaze fixed on the scattered papers covering the table. These were documents from the recent mission involving the [Angel of Death] — or, more precisely, reports detailing the events.
One particular report immediately caught her attention. Something had been highlighted in bold, standing out on the page as if demanding to be noticed. "Ability to communicate mentally, though in a limited way" The words imprinted themselves in her mind, as if carrying a deeper meaning yet to be unraveled.
That made Emily reflect on the last time she had encountered the little anomaly. That strangely sweet, almost adorable voice that had echoed in her mind—had it really been hers? Emily couldn’t say for sure, but something inside her told her that voice hadn’t emerged at that precise moment without reason. She couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something more behind it, something she hadn’t yet fully grasped.
"Guess I’ll have to see for myself" Emily murmured, her eyes still fixed on the report, as if every word held a mystery waiting to be solved.
Her expression revealed intense focus, and the slight furrow of her brows hinted at the growing tension as she analyzed the data with near-obsessive precision.
Of course, the anomaly’s surprising ability to speak wasn’t the only thing that had caught Emily’s attention. More than that, the anomaly’s performance during the mission had been nothing short of flawless.
Not only had she helped resolve the situation decisively, but she had also rescued every single team member when they were in danger—acting purely of her own volition.
Although Emily was already aware of this, there was something comforting about seeing it firsthand. It almost felt like witnessing the best of the anomaly’s nature.
Somehow, it warmed her from the inside, like an older sister bursting with pride over her little sister acing a test.
It was a sweet, protective feeling, as if, in some way, the anomaly had become more than just an ally—she had become a familiar presence.
The next moment, Emily rose from her chair with quiet grace and walked toward the door, her firm, steady steps echoing through the room. Her gaze, sharp and curious, locked onto the path ahead, her mind racing as she absorbed every detail around her.
Within seconds, she was making her way through the facility’s long corridors, the rhythmic sound of her footsteps blending into the hushed atmosphere. Every few moments, scientists and guards crossed her path, offering brief nods or formal greetings.
Emily returned their gestures with a small acknowledgment, long accustomed to this routine—one that had been established well before her rise to Director of Operations.
Her steps carried her to an elevator that would take her to the deeper levels of the facility, where two small yet incredibly mysterious and dangerous anomalies resided in relative peace.
Despite their containment in one of the lower floors, the environment had become noticeably safer since the arrival of a certain anomaly. For those who spent most of their time there, the place had become... mentally easier to endure.
That was because, ever since this new anomaly had shown up, the others on that floor had displayed an unexpected calmness.
The reason behind this change, however, remained an enigma—a mystery yet to be solved.
Of course, no one else could have known that a small, friendly being—cloaked almost entirely in white—had paid a visit to her neighbors, securing their mysterious promises.
Well... that was a story for another time. Emily snapped back to the present as the elevator doors slid open, revealing another long, brightly lit corridor. Her once-hesitant steps grew more resolute as she approached a specific containment room.
Every movement reflected her growing determination. Stopping before the door, she took a deep breath, gathering a final surge of confidence. Extending a hand, she touched the device by the entrance. The faint sound of an unlocking mechanism hummed through the air, and the door slid open soundlessly, inviting her inside.
The room beyond was entirely different from the sterile halls outside. Emily’s eyes scanned her surroundings, taking in the scene in an instant: dolls of every shape and color scattered across the floor, along with toys and objects that spoke of childhood memories.
Yet what truly caught her attention were the two figures who resided there—enigmatic beings whose presence seemed almost at odds with the childlike setting around them. Near the only bed in the room—large enough to comfortably accommodate two people, even those who weren’t particularly small—two little figures were visible.
One of them locked eyes with Emily, its gaze filled with curiosity, while the other played with a few dolls that, strangely enough, seemed to be moving on their own, drifting lazily across the room. The sight exuded an air of mystery, as if this space held secrets only the two of them could understand.
Emily’s footsteps echoed with quiet confidence as she approached the figure seated on the bed. With each step, the being—silent and still—lifted its gaze, golden eyes reflecting the difference in height between them. As Emily drew closer, an unspoken tension filled the air. She stood before the [Angel of Death].
Yet, a subtle dilemma surfaced in her mind—she wasn’t sure how to proceed. The reports had mentioned that the [Angel of Death] had initiated contact on her own. Should Emily wait as well? Or was there something specific she needed to do? Maybe she needed to get the anomaly’s attention...
A series of thoughts raced through her mind, only to vanish instantly when a soft, sweet, melodic voice—one that could be described with endless adjectives—echoed in her mind.
It was so serene, so gentle, that Emily almost lost herself in it, as if her very consciousness was slipping away.
It was so simple. Just her name. Nothing more. No grand revelations. No answers to the questions she had been searching for. And yet, somehow, something within her settled. It was as if a lifelong search had finally reached its conclusion. For a fleeting moment, she felt that every effort, every sleepless night, every uncertainty—it had all been worth it.
Emily felt at peace. A deep, indescribable peace, as though she had grasped a truth that transcended time itself. For a brief second, she regained her senses. Her eyes narrowed slightly, and her previously pale cheeks warmed with color as the absurdity of her own reaction dawned on her.
She had been dazed like an idiot—without even realizing she had been staring, slack-jawed. The small anomaly’s golden eyes blinked at her, reflecting a quiet confusion that only deepened Emily’s embarrassment.
Each golden fleck in those eyes felt like it was piercing straight into her soul, amplifying the discomfort. At that moment, a single thought crossed Emily’s mind, clear and undeniable.
(This is dangerous... Her voice... it’s far more divine... no, I mean, soft... dangerous—than we ever imagined)
Spinning on her heels, Emily turned away abruptly, heading straight for the exit, her heart pounding with every step. She needed to make an announcement soon—warning everyone to be cautious if the [Angel of Death] attempted telepathic contact.
If she had nearly lost control just from hearing her voice, she didn’t even want to imagine what could happen to others, whose minds were far more fragile than hers. The fear of a deeper mental influence made her pause, realizing that this wasn’t just about physical security—it was about protecting the very minds of those around her.
Emily’s steps only ceased once she reached the door. Behind her, a small figure watched in silence, golden eyes blinking softly as she tilted her head to the side. Her expression was even more confused than before, as if trying to make sense of what had just happened. A single thought crossed her mind.
(Emily... Why the hell did she even come here in the first place?)