Beneath the Horizon

Chapter 11: Hidden Motives

The following days were a whirlwind of activity for Keira. The Trials had left her both physically and emotionally drained, but the revelations from her conversation with Wade had only intensified her resolve. The clandestine meeting they had shared weighed heavily on her mind, leaving her with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension.

As Keira continued her work in the Wipe Division, she couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching her. Every shadow seemed to harbor secrets, every creak in the building felt like an ominous whisper. The sense of being observed added an edge of paranoia to her already strained nerves.

One evening, after a particularly grueling shift, Keira was heading towards her quarters when she noticed Wade waiting by the entrance to her building. His usual professional demeanor was softened by the flicker of concern in his eyes.

"Hey," he said, his voice carrying a note of urgency. "Can we talk?"

Keira nodded, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of him. They walked in silence to a quieter part of the facility, a secluded garden that had become one of Keira's favorite spots for reflection. The soft glow of the garden lights and the gentle rustling of leaves created a tranquil backdrop for their conversation.

Wade leaned against a stone wall, his gaze focused on Keira. "I've been doing some digging into the regime's records. There's more to the Trials than we realized. It's not just about control; it's about erasing any trace of resistance."

Keira's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"

Wade sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "The deeper we dig, the more we find. There are hidden files, suppressed reports... evidence that the regime is trying to erase entire histories, not just individuals."

The gravity of Wade's words made Keira's pulse quicken. She took a step closer, her voice low. "And what do you need from me?"

Wade's eyes met hers, the intensity in his gaze making her heart race. "I need you to help me access these files. Your knowledge of the Wipe Division could be crucial in uncovering the truth."

Keira's breath hitched as Wade's proximity became more intimate. She could feel the heat from his body, the subtle scent of his cologne mixing with the fresh night air. "What's the plan?"

Wade's hand brushed against hers, sending a jolt of electricity through her. "We need to find a way to access the restricted archives. I've heard rumors of a hidden access point, but we'll need to be careful."

Their hands lingered together, the touch creating a charged moment between them. Keira's eyes flicked to Wade's lips, a silent acknowledgment of the tension that had been building between them. Wade seemed to notice, his gaze softening as he leaned in slightly.

"Also," he said softly, "there's something I've been meaning to tell you."

Before he could continue, a distant sound interrupted them. Both of them froze, their heightened senses alert to any potential danger. Wade quickly withdrew, his expression becoming more guarded. "We'll talk more later. For now, let's focus on finding that access point."

Keira nodded, her heart still racing from their close encounter. As they parted ways, the lingering sensation of Wade's touch and the intensity of their conversation left her both exhilarated and anxious.