The gunfire outside grew heavier, rolling like thunder through the concrete halls. Cassius froze mid-step, the sound reverberating against the walls, the floor trembling beneath their feet.
Sophia looked up sharply, her eyes narrowing. "That's heavy artillery."
The Chief's smirk faltered for the first time. His hand went to his earpiece, voice tight. "Report."
Only static answered. Then, distant screams.
Cassius turned slightly, his expression unreadable. "Seems your men are losing control."
"Quiet!" the Chief snapped, glaring at him.
Sophia took a step closer to Cassius, lowering her voice. "Sir, this is the Nulls. It has to be."
Cassius nodded faintly. "Too soon for coincidence."
Brent shifted restlessly, his pulse hammering. "If they're out there, then maybe—"
"Don't move," Cassius warned quietly. His tone was calm but his eyes told Brent everything. One wrong move and the Chief would notice.
The Chief barked another order into his earpiece. "I said report, now!"
