May 3, 2025 – Merriweather Medical Research Foundation, Virginia

The doors slid shut behind them with a muted whoosh. Amelia stood in the lobby taking it in—warm wood paneling, abstract art, interior windows revealing long laboratories that belonged in major research hospitals. Electron microscopes. Genetic sequencers. Equipment worth millions.

Amelia shivered.

Not a historical society. Not even close.

“Dr. Merriweather, sir.” The receptionist handed Elijah a tablet. “Dr. Thanakit is ready fo...