𝑆𝐸𝐶𝑅𝐸𝑇𝑆 𝑜𝑓 𝐸𝑉𝐸𝑅𝐶𝑅𝐸𝑆𝑇 ( BOOK 1)

Chapter 14: Unmasking the Traitor

In the Bellweathers' home, the early morning sun filtered through the curtains as Susan nervously dialed Dr. James' number. After a few rings, William picked up, his voice tense.

"She already knows, Susan," he said immediately.

Susan's heart skipped a beat. "How? What happened?"

Before William could explain, an alarm blared on his end of the line. "Susan, I have to go!" he shouted, cutting the call abruptly.

Fear gripped Susan. She paced the room, her mind racing with worry for Sol and the rest of the family.

Back in the lab, William barked orders as chaos erupted around him. "What's happening?" he demanded from a nearby doctor.

"We're under attack! Someone sabotaged the security system!"

Panic surged through William. His first thought was for Sol. He rushed to gather the children. "Tilda, take the kids to the underground exit!"

Tilda nodded, her face pale. "What about you?"

"I'll join you soon. Go, now!"

As Tilda led the children, Sol clung to her father's side. "Dad, what's going on?"

Before William could answer, they heard the unmistakable sound of heavy footsteps approaching. The lab doors burst open, and armed men in black uniforms stormed in, shouting commands.

"Everyone, down on the ground!"

William's heart pounded. "Go, Sol! Follow Tilda!"

Sol hesitated but obeyed, running after Tilda. The children looked around, fear in their eyes as they were herded into the underground passage. Tilda tried to keep them calm.

"Stay close, everyone. We'll be safe soon."

But when they reached the exit, they found it blocked. Sol turned to Tilda, confusion and fear mixing in her gaze. "What's happening?"

Tilda's face was a mask of regret. "I'm sorry, Sol. I had no choice."

The realization hit Sol like a punch. "You... you betrayed us?"

Tilda's eyes filled with tears. "I did what I thought was right. I can't let this continue."

Before Sol could respond, the armed men surrounded them, taking them back into the main lab. William was there, restrained but unharmed.

"Tilda, why?" William's voice was filled with hurt.

"I couldn't let it go on, William. The experiments... the children deserve better."

Sol stepped forward, her voice trembling but firm. "So you chose to betray us instead?"

Tilda looked away, unable to meet Sol's eyes. "I thought it was the only way."

A tense silence filled the room, broken only by the hum of the lab's machinery. William took a deep breath, struggling to find words. "Tilda, you've made your choice. But we have to think about the children. Let them go."

The leader of the armed men stepped forward. "We're taking control of this facility. No one is leaving."

Sol's heart sank. She glanced at her father, who gave her a reassuring nod. "We'll find a way out of this," he whispered.

As the men led them to a holding area, Sol's mind raced. She had to find a way to protect her friends and stop Tilda's plan. They were taken to a large room with barred windows, the children huddling together for comfort.

Tom and Clara were among them, their faces pale but determined. "Sol, what do we do now?" Tom asked.

Sol clenched her fists, feeling the familiar stir of her powers. "We stay calm and look for an opportunity. We won't let them win."

Meanwhile, outside the lab, Susan was frantic with worry. She gathered Peter and Penelope, determined to find a way to help Sol. They drove towards the lab, hoping to find a way in.

As they approached, they saw the increased security and knew they had to be careful. Susan parked the car at a distance, turning to her children. "We need to find another way in. Sol needs us."

Penelope nodded, her usual bravado replaced by a steely determination. "We'll get her out, Mom. We won't let them keep her."

Inside the lab, the children were plotting their escape. Sol, Tom, and Clara whispered plans, trying to figure out how to use their powers without alerting their captors.

Suddenly, Sol felt a surge of energy. She closed her eyes, focusing on the barred window. Slowly, it began to bend and twist, creating a small opening.

"Tom, Clara, help the others through," she instructed, her voice calm but urgent.

One by one, the children climbed through the opening, making their way to freedom. As the last child slipped out, the alarm sounded, alerting the guards.

"Run!" Sol shouted, leading the way.

They sprinted through the forest behind the lab, hearts pounding, but determined to escape. In the distance, Susan, Peter, and Penelope saw them and rushed to help.

Susan embraced Sol tightly. "I was so worried about you!"

Sol smiled through her tears. "We're safe now, Mom. But we need to stop Tilda and her men."

Peter stepped forward, his expression resolute. "Let's finish this together."

As the family and the children regrouped, they knew the fight was far from over. But together, they were stronger, ready to face whatever came next.