The first shot cracked against the rear panel, metal shrieking as something punched through outer plating and bounced inside the cargo bay. Lyra flinched hard, Iria pulling her down and shielding her without a word.
Reva leaned forward, voice sharp. "Next junction, right."
The driver shook his head. "Blocked."
"Then take it anyway," Viola snapped.
The transport smashed through a flimsy barrier and dropped onto a lower service lane, suspension screaming as it absorbed the impact. The chase tightened immediately. Two vehicles followed them down, one swinging wide to the flank, the other staying dead center, headlights burning straight through the dust and exhaust.
Rin braced himself and cracked the side door just enough to see out. "They're setting up a pinch."
Requiem shifted closer, already pulling his blade free. "Then don't let them."
Another impact rocked the vehicle. The transport swerved, nearly clipping a support pillar before the driver hauled it back on course.
