The alloy doors groaned as the locks disengaged.
ka-chhnk~
Inside the walls, mechanisms stirred, gears shifting, pistons retracting. A hiss cut the air as the seams bled vapor.
At first it was heat—waves of it pushing outward, prickling Don's skin, carrying the sting of iron and salt.
Then the mix shifted as the room fought to cool. White vapor rolled outward, clinging low, the sudden drop frosting the tile under his boots.
The fabric of his jeans dampened in patches, seams darkening before the chill stiffened them. His shirt stuck faintly against his chest.
Don exhaled through his nose. 'Should've changed into training gear.'
The doors ground wider until the opening was large enough to step through. Xiao didn't hesitate. Hands still tucked neatly behind his back, he moved forward into the vapor as if it weren't there at all.
Don followed, boots crunching over the thin ice settling across the floor. Moisture left a sheen on his sleeves, edges heavy with cold bite.
