Back to Reality

Ethan's mind was reeling as Dr. Elwes' words faded into the background. He felt like he was trapped in a never-ending nightmare, and he just wanted to wake up.

But as he looked around the room, he knew it was real. The rows of computers, the lab equipment, the strange, glowing orbs on the walls... it was all too real.

Arianna tugged on his hand, her eyes pleading with him to get out of there. Ethan nodded, and together they backed away from Dr. Elwes and his team.

As they reached the door, Dr. Elwes called out after them. "Remember, Ethan, we'll be in touch soon."

Ethan didn't respond. He just kept moving forward, until they were back out on the streets.

They walked in silence for a while, trying to process what had just happened. Ethan couldn't shake the feeling that their lives had changed forever.

Eventually, they found themselves back at school. The sun was setting over the horizon, casting a golden glow over the campus.

Arianna let out a deep sigh. "I need a break," she said. "Let's go get some dinner or something."

Ethan nodded, still feeling numb. "Yeah, okay."

As they walked towards the cafeteria, Ethan couldn't help but feel like he was living in a dream. This wasn't his reality anymore. This was some kind of alternate universe where scientists in lab coats talked about ancient powers and immortality.

He pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the present. He needed to get Arianna out of this place and back to safety.

But as they sat down at a table in the cafeteria, Ethan realized that getting out of this place wouldn't be easy. Dr. Elwes had said they'd be in touch soon... and Ethan had a feeling that soon wasn't going to be long.