The corridor was longer than she had expected. Every step Elara took echoed against the metal floor, and that echo felt as if it was filling not only the space she was in, but also the inside of her mind. There were two people walking beside her; they were not touching her, but there was no need for that. This place itself was already designed to make escape impossible, and Elara was feeling that more clearly with every step she took.
Adrian was walking a few steps ahead and spoke without turning back. His voice echoed through the corridor in a calm yet sharp manner. "What you are feeling right now is not power," he said. Elara did not respond. After a brief pause, Adrian continued. "It is only potential."
