Echoes of the Selarans

Chains of Judgment

Ari and Eli slipped through narrow, dimly lit alleyways, their faces still flushed with the humiliation from the public shaming. Every corner felt like an exposure, every shadow a potential threat. The vibrant neon lights that once seemed enticing now cast sinister reflections, bouncing off their hurried, nervous movements.

"We need to get out of here," Eli whispered, his voice trembling.

Ari nodded, scanning their surroundings. "If we keep to the shadows and stay low, we might make it back to my quarters undetected."

They weaved through the labyrinthine city streets, avoiding any signs of guards. Every step felt like a countdown, each breath like a stolen moment. The familiar buzz of the city seemed louder, almost oppressive, and Ari couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.

But just as they were nearing a quieter area, they heard the sound of heavy footsteps approaching. Panic surged through both of them. Without hesitation, they ducked into an abandoned storefront, the shattered remnants of glass crunching softly beneath their feet.

Ari pressed herself against the wall, her heart pounding. Eli's face was pale, his eyes darting back and forth as he tried to control his breathing. The sounds of the footsteps grew louder, then faded as the guards passed by, oblivious to their presence. The silence that followed was suffocating.

"Did we lose them?" Eli's voice was barely a whisper.

"For now," Ari replied, though her voice lacked conviction. She glanced outside, the faint blue light from a distant hologram casting eerie shadows.

Just then, a figure appeared from the shadows of the room. It was the man who had approached them before, the one who had first introduced them to the forbidden VR experience. His expression was smug, eyes gleaming in the dim light.

"You two are causing quite a stir," he said, voice low but laced with satisfaction. He stepped closer, his gaze flicking between them. "But I suppose you're not surprised to see me, are you?"

Ari's face tightened. "What do you want?"

He chuckled, crossing his arms. "Me? I've already gotten what I wanted. Five extra years added to my life, courtesy of the government. All I had to do was... report on certain rule-breakers. Share a little footage."

Eli's eyes widened, realization dawning. "You... you set us up."

"Set you up?" He smirked. "I gave you what you wanted. A taste of freedom. A chance to explore the forbidden. It's not my fault you two couldn't handle the consequences."

Ari clenched her fists, anger flashing in her eyes. "You sold us out for a few more years? After everything... after—"

The man held up his hand, cutting her off. "After what? A kiss? A night of indulgence? I warned you both. There are rules in this society for a reason." He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "And I'd suggest you remember that, if you want to survive."

Eli's face was a mixture of anger and despair. "How can you live with yourself?"

The man shrugged, unfazed. "Easily. Survival always comes first. You two are idealists, dreamers. But dreams don't mean anything in a place like this. If you want to stay alive, you play the game, like I did."

Ari looked away, a cold fury building inside her. "You're nothing more than a pawn. A coward."

The man's face hardened, his smirk fading. "Maybe. But a coward who'll live to see another decade. Can you say the same?"

Before Ari or Eli could respond, a series of loud footsteps echoed from outside. The guards were back, closer this time, their voices low but commanding. The man's expression shifted, a flash of fear crossing his face.