The smoke inside Hollowgate hung thick, the air filled with the scent of gunpowder and scorched metal. Emergency lights flickered weakly against the walls, painting the corridors in a pulse of red and shadow.
Cassius moved fast, his hand steady on Dr. Farah's arm as they cut through the narrow service tunnel. Brent followed behind, gun raised, while Sophia covered the rear. Every few seconds, the muffled sound of explosions and automatic fire rolled through the concrete.
Brent glanced back, breathing heavily. "They'll come after us soon."
"They already are," Sophia said, her tone calm despite the tension. "We're just buying seconds."
Cassius didn't look back. "Seconds are all we need."
Dr. Farah stumbled, clutching her shoulder. "Where are you taking me?"
Cassius's answer was quiet but firm. "Somewhere they can't find you. Keep moving."
She didn't argue. Her eyes darted around the dark tunnel, terrified but aware that her only chance was to trust him.
