The Escape
Gunfire shattered the dawn.
The air around the northern compound burned with chaos alarms screaming, smoke curling into the clouds, and the storm raging like a living thing.
Sebastian's boots pounded against the metal walkway as he led Isabella and Liam through the maze of corridors. Bullets tore into walls beside them, sparks flying.
"Down!" Sebastian shouted, dragging Isabella behind a pillar as another volley tore through the air.
Her breath came in gasps. "They're everywhere"
"Keep your head down," he said, reloading with grim precision. "We're almost to the hangar."
Liam crouched behind a fallen console, returning fire. "Almost isn't close enough. Evelyn's private guard just deployed. She's bringing out the heavy units."
Sebastian's jaw clenched. "Then we go faster."
He turned back to Isabella, his voice softer but urgent. "Stay behind me. No matter what happens."
She nodded, trembling but defiant. "I'm not losing you again."
"Then keep moving."
