Chapter 96
"Me?" The woman smiled softly, stepping closer to Karl with a graceful, almost dance-like movement. "I’m the reflection of what you desire, Karl. The desires you’ve buried deep within yourself, ones you might not even realize."
Karl took a step back, trying to keep some distance, but he could feel himself weakening under the intensity of her gaze. The intoxicating scent of flowers grew stronger, clouding his thoughts. "I... I don’t have time for this. I have to fix this dimension."
The woman chuckled softly, her voice like a melody—sweet but dangerously hypnotic. "Oh, but fixing this dimension is a journey to fix yourself, isn’t it? Don’t rush, Karl. You can enjoy this moment. Maybe for the first time... let go of your burdens."
She extended her hand toward him, and Karl felt his body respond involuntarily. His hand reached out, almost touching hers, but he quickly pulled it back with force. "No! This... this is just an illusion. You’re not real!"
The woman looked at him with eyes full of gentleness, but there was something cunning behind her gaze. "If I’m just an illusion, then why do I feel so real to you?" She stepped closer, just inches away from Karl. Her delicate hand brushed against his cheek, making his body shiver.
Karl felt his chest tighten, as though caught between desire and duty. When he tried to step back again, she grabbed his hand. Her soft fingers slid slowly down his arm, then to his wrist. Her touch was so light, yet enough to freeze him in place.
"I can help you, Karl," she whispered, her eyes locking onto his with an intensity that was almost hypnotic. "But you have to let yourself open up to me. Let me guide you."
Karl tried to pull his hand away, but she held on tighter, her smile shifting into something more intense. Her fingers trailed downward, brushing against a part of him that made him freeze. A strange warmth spread through his body, making it nearly impossible to think straight.
"Stop..." Karl whispered, his voice barely audible. "This is wrong."
The woman leaned closer, whispering in his ear with a low, seductive tone. "What’s wrong, Karl? Feeling something? Enjoying what you really want?"
Suddenly, a bright blue flash erupted from Karl’s chest. A cold, mechanical voice echoed through the room.