The Chief let out a loud, unrestrained laugh as he took in Cassius's expression. Gone was the calm authority that once defined him. In its place was exhaustion, rage, and helplessness all tangled together. The sight clearly delighted the man standing over him.
"You have no way out now, Cassius," the Chief said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "This is the end. From now on, The Archive is under my supervision. The Nulls are all working for me. Every single one of them." His gaze flicked briefly toward Kendrick and Zephany lying on the floor. "Well, except for your two favorites. And look at them now. They can't even stand, let alone fight."
Cassius clenched his jaw so tightly it ached. His hands trembled at his sides, restrained not just by the soldiers but by the reality pressing down on him. He said nothing, but the hatred in his eyes burned openly.
