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THE CLEAR DOOR

With one flying leap I launch through the air and then abruptly land right in front of the menacing undergrowth protecting the chamber.

The vines and thorny bushes before me mysteriously begin to untangle themselves like snakes, and then they part to reveal the clear door.

The clear door.

Old friend.

Through the dense undergrowth, I can just make out the letters stamped on the side of the chamber: ATHENOS.

I reach for the door with my bloody talon.

Dr. Terrible pops up inside my head, and says:

“Now do you know where your Queen is?”

Inside the chamber.

“How did you—”

Because you are a ruthless genius.

“No.”

I pause for a moment, considering.

Because I am Terrible?

“Yes, my grandson. All of this. I did for YOU.”