Beneath the Streets of Luthadel (2)

The data vault was at the very bottom of the Spire—a reinforced chamber humming with concealed power. The entrance was unlike the rest of the Spire. Instead of cold metal doors, this one was made of dark stone, laced with arcane glyphs that pulsed faintly. Security had increased, with two enforcers stationed at the entrance and a surveillance drone hovering near the ceiling.

Cerys muttered a curse under her breath. "Subtlety isn't an option."

Vyrelda's hand moved slightly toward her sword, but Cerys stopped her with a light tap on the arm. "Wait. Let me try something first."

She stepped forward, her expression cold and commanding—the same presence she used when delivering orders on the battlefield. The enforcers straightened immediately at her approach.

"You two," Cerys barked, her voice sharp with authority. "I need this door open immediately. Security command wants an internal status check on the archives."