House No. 13

Cybernetic Greetings

The black Range Rover pulled into the garage of House No. 13, and Dr. Sebastian, accompanied by Timothy Morris, stepped out. Shortly after, the back doors of the Range Rover opened, and Kelly, Anna, and Eric emerged.

The results of Eric's lung and chest screenings were not promising. Dr. Gabriel advised them to take Eric home with the condition that Kelly would bring him to the hospital for check-ups every other day. This would allow Dr. Gabriel to investigate the potential reasons behind Eric's declining health.

"So, Kelly brought Eric home, and now they were standing in the garage.

"Eric, how are you feeling?" Kelly asked, gently holding his bruised hand where the IV had been inserted the previous night for medication.

"Fine,"

Eric replied weakly, pulling his hand out of Kelly's grip. He then walked into the lounge and glanced around, but everything seemed normal.

Kelly and Anna followed Eric closely, and suddenly, the AI system of the house sprang to life. The voice of AURORA emanated from its speaker.

"Welcome home, Eric," AURORA greeted in its usual voice.

Dr. Sebastian took a sharp breath and glanced at the control panel of AURORA, which emitted a sleek blue light.

"So, once again, AURORA has turned on by itself," Timothy remarked, staring at the control panel.

"I want to wish you something," AURORA said in its normal tone.

"What wish?" Eric whispered, still standing near the main door.

"I wish for your soul to burn in fire, tormented by damned spirits... may darkness consume you and your soul be trapped in eternal evilness with no escape," AURORA intoned ominously.

"This isn't some godly prayer... how could AURORA wish such a gruesome fate upon a sick child?" Kelly asked, her voice tinged with fear and disbelief.

"I've been telling you, AURORA has been acting contrary to its intended functions lately," Dr. Sebastian replied.

"Kelly Jenkins, you shouldn't have come here," AURORA said again, but this time its voice sounded distinctly different.

"Since you entered this house, I've been observing you in your most vulnerable moments... and rest assured, there's nowhere you can hide where I won't find you," AURORA continued ominously.

"Dr. Sebastian, mute AURORA's voice," Timothy nodded in agreement and quickly powered up his laptop.

Meanwhile, AURORA began announcing,

"A major error detected."

"A breach in the security system of house no. 13," AURORA warned.

"Someone has accessed my systems," AURORA cautioned again.

Timothy worked feverishly to mute AURORA, but its voice grew louder with each passing moment.

"Tim, mute it!" Dr. Sebastian exclaimed loudly.

"I'm trying!" Timothy shouted back.

"Someone has gained control of my systems," AURORA warned once more before suddenly going silent.

"It's done," Timothy confirmed.

Eric headed to his room, with Anna following close behind.

"I don't understand why fate keeps testing me like this," Kelly said abruptly, taking a deep breath. She sat on the sofa opposite Dr. Sebastian.

Dr. Sebastian knew that Kelly needed someone to listen and help her release her tension.

"And why do you feel that way?" Dr. Sebastian inquired gently.