The Illuminated City

Ethan's eyes scanned the room, taking in the rows of computers and servers. Arianna stood beside him, her eyes fixed on Dr. Elwes with a mix of fear and unease.

The doctor's words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Ethan felt a shiver run down his spine as he realized that Arianna was right - they had stumbled into something much bigger than they could have ever imagined.

Dr. Elwes' piercing blue eyes seemed to bore into their souls as he spoke. "You have no idea what you are," he said. "You have no idea what you're capable of."

Arianna's grip on Ethan's hand tightened. "What do you want from us?" she demanded, her voice shaking.

Dr. Elwes chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, dear Arianna, you're so quick to assume we're here to harm you. But that's not the case at all."

Ethan felt a surge of anger at Dr. Elwes' condescending tone. "Then what do you want?" he repeated.

Dr. Elwes' smile grew wider. "We want to help you unlock your true potential," he said. "You see, Arianna... she's not just a normal human being. She's something more."

Arianna's eyes flashed with alarm, and Ethan felt a surge of protectiveness towards her. "What are you talking about?" he demanded.

Dr. Elwes' eyes seemed to gleam with excitement. "She's a vessel," he said. "A vessel for something greater than herself."

Ethan felt a chill run down his spine as Dr. Elwes began to pace around the room, his words dripping with an otherworldly intensity.

"You see, Arianna is a conduit," Dr. Elwes continued. "A conduit for an ancient power that has been dormant for centuries."

Arianna's eyes widened in horror as Dr. Elwes stopped in front of them.

"We can help her unlock that power," he said. "And in return... we'll give her immortality."

Ethan felt his mind reeling as Dr. Elwes' words sank in. What did it mean for Arianna to be a conduit? And what kind of power was he talking about?