Echoes of the Forgotten

First Impressions

Leo had been hyping this up for weeks.

Ever since he started spending time at Davenport Industries, he wouldn't shut up about his awesome new siblings. Super cool, super smart, and, in his words, way more fun than the boring rich people he expected. I humored him, of course, but deep down, I wasn't sure what to expect.

I'd known Leo since the first grade. He was my best friend, the one person I could be myself around—well, almost myself. There was a part of me I could never let him, or anyone, see. A part that wasn't normal. So when he invited me over to finally meet his mysterious new family, I had to remind myself: Don't act weird. Don't slip up. Don't give them any reason to suspect.

Easier said than done.

The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, revealing the high-tech underground lab Leo had been raving about. My breath hitched for just a second as I took it in—sleek metal walls, holographic screens, and a futuristic vibe that felt completely out of place in a suburban mansion. But the real shock was the three people standing across the room, looking right at me.

Adam, Bree, and Chase.

Leo had shown me pictures, but seeing them in person was different. There was something off about them, something I couldn't quite put my finger on. Maybe it was the way they stood—too balanced, too precise—or the way their eyes scanned me like I was some kind of puzzle they needed to solve.

"Guys, this is my best friend," Leo announced proudly, slinging an arm around my shoulder. "The one I've been telling you about!"

Bree was the first to step forward, a warm smile on her face. "Hey! It's nice to finally meet you. Leo talks about you all the time."

"Hopefully only the good stuff," I joked, forcing a smile.

"Ehh, about fifty-fifty," Adam chimed in, grinning. "But don't worry, he makes us sound way worse."

That got a laugh out of me, but even as I relaxed a little, I couldn't shake the feeling that they were studying me too closely. Chase, especially, had this analytical look in his eyes, like he was processing data I didn't even know I was giving off.

Something in my gut twisted. I'd spent years perfecting the art of blending in, of keeping my real self buried under layers of normalcy. But standing in front of these three, I felt seen in a way that made my skin crawl.

"So," Chase finally said, tilting his head slightly. "How long have you and Leo been friends?"

"Since we were kids," I replied easily. "First grade."

"Huh." He frowned slightly, as if something didn't add up. "That's interesting."

"Why is that interesting?" I asked, trying to keep my voice casual.

Chase hesitated for a fraction of a second before answering. "I don't know yet."

That was when I knew—they sensed something off about me.

I swallowed hard and forced a laugh. "Well, that's not ominous at all."

Adam nudged Chase. "Dude, stop being creepy. You're making our guest uncomfortable."

Chase crossed his arms but didn't argue. Bree shot me an apologetic look, and Leo, oblivious as ever, just grinned. "Ignore him. He does that with everyone."

I nodded like it didn't bother me, but inside, my nerves were buzzing. I needed to be careful. If they kept looking at me like that, if they kept digging...

They might find out what I really am.

And I couldn't let that happen.