Elias led Alex through a labyrinth of underground tunnels, the air thick with the scent of damp stone and rusted metal. The deeper they went, the more the city above seemed like a distant dream, a world untouched by the truth lurking beneath its surface.
Alex's mind raced. His father had walked these paths once, fighting for a cause Alex barely understood but now found himself a part of. The weight of that realization settled heavily on his shoulders.
They reached a reinforced steel door, covered in arcane symbols that pulsed faintly with mana. Elias pressed his palm against a hidden panel, and the door unlocked with a low hiss.
Inside, a sprawling chamber awaited them. Dim lights flickered over makeshift barracks, weapons caches, and terminals displaying encrypted messages. People—fighters, strategists, and spies—moved with quiet urgency. This was Twilight's heart, the resistance's stronghold.
A woman in a sleek black coat approached them. Her piercing violet eyes studied Alex with calculated intensity. "Elias, who's the stray?"
Elias exhaled. "Soren, this is Darius' son."
A heavy silence fell over the room. Heads turned. Whispers spread like wildfire.
Soren Graves, Twilight's chief strategist, folded her arms. "Darius' son?" Her skepticism was evident. "That's a bold claim."
Alex met her gaze, his jaw tightening. "I don't need you to believe me. But I have my father's memories, his knowledge. And I know that if we don't act soon, the imperial families will tighten their grip on Earth beyond saving."
Soren's expression remained unreadable. Then, she smirked. "You've got his fire, I'll give you that."
She turned on her heel. "Follow me. If you really want to fight, you'll need more than your father's name."
Elias patted Alex's shoulder. "Welcome to Twilight, kid. Your war starts now."
As Alex stepped forward, he knew this was only the beginning. Twilight had accepted him—for now. But trust had to be earned, and his battle had only just begun.