Distortion

“International media reported today that an abandoned research complex linked to Project 'Phoenix' has been discovered in a remote area of Kalimantan, Indonesia. According to sources, journalists received a tip on the facility’s location from Lauren Winter, previously listed as missing and featured in several investigations as one of the surviving participants of the project. An investigative team arriving at the site confirmed the presence of laboratory facilities, neuromodulation equipment, and documents indicating human experimentation. International human rights organizations have already called the discovery a 'major breakthrough in uncovering the scheme of illegal research.' Based on the obtained materials, charges are being prepared against Valentina de Fontaine, the alleged head of Project 'Phoenix', for ethical violations, illegal interference with the cognitive functions of test subjects, and exploitation of program participants. The investigation is ongoing. Authorities in Indonesia and several European countries have stated their intention to cooperate to identify all individuals involved.” Lauren turned down the TV volume but couldn’t tear her eyes away from the photos on the screen. James pulled her from her thoughts with the creak of the door as he entered the room. “Wonder how she’ll wriggle out of this one?” the girl smirked, grabbing the folder from the table. “Shall we see?” “I thought you already had,” he shrugged, sitting on the bed. Lauren climbed up next to him, kicking off her heavy boots. She opened the folder to the first page. “So small,” the girl tried to joke, looking into the eyes of her childhood photo, but everything inside her tightened. How could her parents allow this? She lifted the photograph, which was covering part of the information. James said nothing, sensing the girl’s tension even through her straightened back. She had no parents. *Orphan*—a short word that said so much. Easy prey for experiments, but Valentina hadn’t accounted for one thing—the character of the child she’d chosen. The girl’s jaw clenched, and she turned the page. “Lauren?” James saw her movements become sharper, as if she were in a hurry. “Hm?” the girl turned, catching his wary look. “Are you okay?” “Yes. If you can call it that,” Lauren set the folder aside, shifting to face the man. “What do we do now?” “It’s safer to go outside now,” Barnes touched her shoulder, pulling her closer. Lauren, pressing against his chest, heard the steady beats of his heart. “Valentina can’t do anything to you.” “Right, just endless court cases and cameras forever pointed at me,” her lips stretched into a nervous smile. “As if you’re afraid of cameras,” he laughed when Lauren pinched his arm. “I’m sure,” she tilted her head back, her lips almost brushing his neck. “She’ll still find a way out.” “But you will have your freedom.”