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Chapter 8

Vex smiled cruelly to himself as he walked through the sterile white halls of the research facility, disguised in the form of Dr. Miles. Everything was proceeding perfectly. The anguish and corruption swirling within these walls was utterly intoxicating.

Posing as a human scientist gave him unfettered access to feed off the children's psychic agony as they were twisted into obedient tools by Fournier Enterprises. Their misery was a banquet without end.

Vex had to credit Astor's vile parents for the inspiration. Studying their skilled emotional manipulation had sparked this ingenious scheme for fresh young souls to torment.

Of course, acquiring the operating permits through legitimate channels had required certain infernal favors called in. But the cost was negligible compared to the rewards.

Vex paused outside the conditioning room, savoring the wafting scent of despair within. Yes, these innocent babes were ripening beautifully. Soon, his feast would be complete.

The only irritant was Astor - the boy retained such exasperating sparks of rebellion and hope, constantly threatening to ignite an inferno of resistance. Vex would have to isolate and break him soon.

Patience, patience, he cautioned himself. Let the hope flicker a while longer, it made the ultimate crushing so much sweeter. All in due time.

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For now, Vex would settle for the symphony of sorrow permeating this perfect incarceration. Here he could corrupt without end or consequence. These tender young souls were captive to his whims.

What delights still awaited! Vex could barely contain his glee anticipating each new delectable horror yet to be savored. The suffering had only just begun.

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Reed stared in disbelief at the documents and photos spread across his desk. When he'd started investigating Fournier Enterprises, he'd expected some shady dealings. But nothing could have prepared him for the full scope of depravity being perpetrated.

They were acquiring children - orphans, runaways, the destitute - then intentionally exposing them to dangerous portals to trigger powers. All to create a conditioned workforce, bonded by trauma.

The records of these experiments read like a horror story. Psychic manipulation, isolation tanks, electroshock punishment for disobedience...there seemed no limit to the suffering inflicted upon these captive youths.

Reed ran a hand through his hair, feeling sick. He had reported on some vile exploitation rackets as a journalist. But this systemic, methodical cruelty chilled him to his core.

And yet everything was cloaked under auspices of education and opportunity. On paper, it appeared a benevolent apprenticeship program, transforming lost kids into upstanding explorers.

The public had no clue what nightmares were unfolding right under society's nose. But Reed was determined to rip that veil off, no matter how many powerful people stood to take a fall.

He shuffled through smuggled photos of hollow-eyed children until he found the one he sought - Astor, the poor kid forced to use his own powers abusing peers. Reed's fists clenched at how broken he looked.

"I'll get you all out of there, I swear it," Reed growled under his breath. Hard evidence in hand, he began compiling his explosive expose. Legally and publicity-wise he knew the battle would be uphill.

But Reed was prepared to fight tooth and nail, even put his own career on the line. The world needed to know Fournier's true face. And maybe, just maybe, there were still people in power with conscience enough to help him shut this nightmare down.

For Astor and all the missing souls trapped in Fournier's machinations, Reed refused to let this story die. The truth would have its day. Justice stirred, slow but inexorable.