CHAPTER 19
The night air was heavy with the scent of rain and ozone as Elara and Blake emerged from the labyrinth of maintenance tunnels into a darkened alley. The storm continued its relentless assault on the city, and the streets were slick with water, reflecting the flickering streetlights. Elara pulled her coat tighter around her, shivering slightly from the dampness and the adrenaline coursing through her veins.
Blake glanced around, his detective instincts on high alert. "We need to get somewhere safe," he said, his voice low and urgent. "Do you have any idea who might be behind this?"
Elara shook her head, frustration etched on her face. "I don't know for sure. But the intrusion came from a secure facility linked to a shadowy organization known for dealing in advanced technology and political manipulation. They've been known to silence anyone who gets in their way."