The Elara voice coming from the loudspeaker spread through the room and clung to the old seals on the walls, the cables hanging from the ceiling, and the broken ring on Elara's wrist. Hearing her own voice from outside was strange enough. But this voice did not only sound like her. It was as if the human part had been taken out of her, leaving behind a cold, empty, flawless shell.
"Say it once," the voice said again. "Then no door will ever leave you outside."
The mark on Elara's wrist did not hurt this time. That was worse. Pain was at least a warning. This felt like an invitation. The Root Facility was not forcing her. It was trying to convince her. The Moon Spirit's name was shining as if it were not only a word, but the missing piece that opened every door.
The Moon Spirit spoke inside Elara in a whisper that almost made no sound. "Do not listen."
Elara answered inwardly, "What are they trying to tell me?"
"Not a door," the Moon Spirit said. "A shell."
