Chapter 17: Black Island

The helicopter disappeared into the dark sky, leaving only silence behind.

Sebastian tightly clenched the note Raven had left behind.

"Black Island..." he murmured.

"I've searched every map. There's no island with that name," the detective said.

Arthur slowly lowered his head.

"Because it doesn't officially exist."

"What do you mean?" Sabrina asked.

"Black Island was abandoned over thirty years ago after a massive chemical explosion," Arthur explained.

"Officially, it's a restricted military zone."

"Unofficially... it's Black Phoenix's headquarters."

Sebastian looked at Arthur.

"Why didn't you tell us before?"

"Because anyone who goes there never returns."

"Then we'll be the first," Sebastian replied firmly.

The next morning, the Ford family's private jet headed toward the southern coastline.

Only Sebastian, Sabrina, and the detective boarded.

Arthur insisted on staying behind.

"If this is my final chance to protect both of you," he said, "I'll prepare everything from here."

After several hours, they landed at an isolated fishing village.

An old fisherman waited at the dock.

"Mr. Ford?"

"Yes."

"Chairman Arthur asked me to take you across."

"But once we reach Black Island... you're on your own."

The small boat sailed through thick fog.

No birds flew overhead.

The sea was unnaturally quiet.

"Something feels wrong," Sabrina whispered.

"Stay close," Sebastian replied.

As the fog cleared, a massive island appeared.

Ancient stone walls surrounded a fortress overlooking the ocean.

Black Phoenix flags waved from every tower.

"So this is Black Island," Sebastian said.

The boat reached shore.

Surprisingly, no guards stopped them.

Instead, the giant iron gates slowly opened by themselves.

A calm voice echoed through hidden speakers.

"Welcome, Sabrina Scott."

"We've been expecting you."

Sebastian immediately drew his weapon.

"Show yourself!"

"Patience," the voice replied.

"The Chairman dislikes rude guests."

They cautiously entered the fortress.

The halls were completely empty.

Portraits covered every wall.

Sabrina suddenly stopped walking.

One portrait looked painfully familiar.

It showed a young woman smiling beside Arthur.

"That's... my mother," she whispered.

Beneath the portrait was a brass plaque.

"Dr. Elena Scott – Chief Research Director."

Sabrina stared in disbelief.

"Research Director?"

"My mother was a doctor... not a scientist for Black Phoenix."

"There's more," Sebastian said quietly.

Another portrait hung beside it.

This one showed Adrian Scott and Sebastian's father shaking hands.

The inscription read:

"Founders of Project Phoenix."

"Impossible," Sebastian muttered.

"Our fathers founded this place?"

Before anyone could react, hidden doors opened throughout the hallway.

Armed guards surrounded them.

A tall elderly man wearing a black suit slowly walked down the staircase.

Everyone instinctively fell silent.

The guards lowered their heads respectfully.

"Welcome," the old man said calmly.

"I've waited many years to meet both of you."

"Who are you?" Sebastian demanded.

The old man smiled.

"You may call me... Chairman."

"Where is Sabrina's mother?"

"Safe."

"She's been waiting twenty years for this reunion."

Sabrina's breathing became uneven.

"Take me to her."

"You will see her," the Chairman replied.

"But first... you must learn the truth about Project Phoenix."

He turned toward the massive wooden doors behind him.

"Everything you believed about your families... was only half the story."

The doors slowly opened.

Inside stood a woman dressed in a white laboratory coat.

Her eyes filled with tears the moment she saw Sabrina.

"My daughter..."

Sabrina's knees nearly gave way.

"Mom...?"