The chamber pulsed with raw energy as Ava's golden flames clashed against Dr. Voss's cold, shadowy force. Sparks flew, illuminating the cruel lines etched deep on his scarred face.
Noah stood guard, weapon trained and ready, but even his steady hands betrayed the tension thick in the air.
Luca's fingers danced frantically over the console, every second ticking closer to the critical download.
"Almost there!" Luca called out, eyes wide with urgency.
Suddenly, a sharp click echoed behind them.
Sable froze, eyes narrowing. "Wait—someone's here."
From the shadows stepped a figure draped in the same black cloak Sable wore, but the stance was wrong — too casual, too confident.
Ava's heart sank as the figure pulled back their hood, revealing a familiar face: it was Sable's.
"Why?" Ava whispered, voice breaking.
Sable's eyes darkened, cold and unyielding. "You were fools to trust me."
The real Sable lunged forward, but it was too late—the imposter was already beside Dr. Voss, smirking.
"No more secrets," the imposter hissed, activating a pulse that scrambled Luca's work.
The room's tension snapped, plunging into chaos.
Betrayed and outnumbered, Ava's team fought desperately, their hope flickering like a candle in the wind.
The battle had only just begun — and the greatest enemy might be the one they never saw coming.
To be continued...