Chapter 148

He nodded slowly. Others followed suit, still disoriented but moving. 

Max adjusted his grip on his weapon. "We've got company." 

Alice turned. More hostiles were moving into position outside the chamber. They weren't here to capture anyone. They were here to kill. 

A split-second decision. 

"Run," Alice ordered the survivors. "Now!" 

Gunfire erupted. Alice and Max returned fire, covering the group as they staggered toward the exit. Some were still weak, stumbling as they moved, but they kept going. 

One of the survivors, a teenage boy, tripped. Alice cursed and pulled him up, shielding him from incoming bullets. 

"Keep moving!" 

The hallway ahead was crumbling. Chunks of debris rained down, forcing them to weave through the chaos. The entrance was close, just a little farther. 

Then, another explosion rocked the facility. The force sent Alice and Max sprawling.