Chapter 5: Into The Void

The room shuddered as the rumble of drones and the whir of approaching vehicles grew louder. Aria's eyes darted to Elias, who was already moving, grabbing equipment off the console and shoving it into a black duffel bag.

"You know, this place has a nice ambiance," he quipped, his tone light despite the danger. "But I think it's time we checked out. I'd rate it one star on escape potential."

Aria rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smirk that tugged at her lips. "One star? That's generous. I'm thinking half a star, max."

"Fair enough." Elias's eyes twinkled briefly before they returned to their usual sharpness. "But we'd better go before the staff—aka, the Tribunal—brings out their special welcome party."

He tossed her the bag, and she caught it, feeling the weight of its contents. "What's in here?"

"Just the essentials," he replied. "Weapons, gear, and a few gadgets I'm pretty sure I made illegal myself."

"Comforting," she muttered, following him as he led the way through a narrow tunnel at the back of the room.

They emerged into a service corridor, the air thick with the smell of oil and metal. The lights flickered, and the distant hum of drones seemed to echo all around them. Aria felt her pulse quicken as they moved, her senses on high alert. She could feel the pressure of the Tribunal closing in.

Elias glanced over his shoulder, catching the tension in her eyes. "Hey, relax. We'll get out of this. I've got at least three escape plans. Maybe four, if you count the one where we just run really fast."

Aria's mouth twitched, and she shook her head. "Why am I not surprised?"

They turned a corner, and the corridor opened up into a larger passageway lined with old maintenance doors. Elias checked a small device on his wrist, the screen displaying a map of the area. He scanned it quickly, then pointed to the left.

"This way. There's a lift that should take us up to the street level." He paused, then added with a grin, "And if it doesn't, well, I guess you'll get to see me improvise."

Aria raised an eyebrow. "Should I be worried?"

"Always," he said, his expression light but eyes serious. "But not about me. I've got charm to spare."

Despite the gravity of the situation, she found herself chuckling. "So you keep telling me."

They reached the lift, and Elias pried open the old metal doors. He gestured for her to step in first, and she did, feeling the slight jolt as the lift creaked to life. The lights inside flickered as it ascended, and the hum of machinery filled the small space.

As they rode up, Aria leaned against the wall, her thoughts racing. She hadn't expected to be working with a Tribunal agent, much less one who seemed determined to keep things lighthearted in the face of danger. It was disarming, and she found herself both annoyed and strangely comforted by it.

"So," she said, glancing at him, "do you always crack jokes when you're about to get caught by your own people?"

He gave her a sideways look, a smirk playing on his lips. "What can I say? Keeps the adrenaline going. Plus, if you're gonna go down, might as well do it with a smile, right?"

"Is that your philosophy?"

"More like a coping mechanism." He winked, and she had to look away to hide her smile. "But in all seriousness, we'll get out of here. I've faced worse."

She raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"

"Ever had a full Tribunal investigation team breathing down your neck while you try to break into their headquarters?" He shook his head as if reliving the memory. "Not exactly a fun night."

Aria crossed her arms. "And you survived that?"

"Barely," he admitted. "But hey, got out with all my limbs attached and only a minor reprimand. I call that a win."

Before she could respond, the lift jolted to a stop. The doors slid open, revealing a narrow side street bathed in the glow of overhead streetlights. Elias stepped out first, scanning the area before motioning for her to follow.

"Alright, coast is clear—at least for now. We need to get to the rendezvous point before they figure out where we went."

"Lead the way, Mr. Escape Plans," Aria said, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. "I'm dying to see what else you've got up your sleeve."

He shot her a grin. "Oh, you'll be impressed. Or horrified. It's a fine line."

As they moved through the street, sticking to the shadows, the tension between them softened. Aria could feel herself relaxing, just a little. Elias's humor, as disarming as it was, helped keep the fear at bay. But she couldn't forget that she was still working with a Tribunal agent—one who could easily turn on her if it suited his agenda.

"Seriously, though," she said as they ducked into an alleyway, "why are you really helping me? It can't just be about Mara."

Elias's smile faded, and for a moment, he looked almost serious. "No, it's not just about Mara. There are things you don't know, things I can't explain yet. But if we want to expose the Tribunal, we have to work together. We're both in this deep."

"Right. Vague and mysterious. That's helpful."

"Hey, it's my specialty," he said, winking again. "Besides, the mysterious look works for me, don't you think?"

Aria rolled her eyes but found herself smiling despite everything. "Sure. Just keep moving, 'Mr. Mysterious.'"

They reached the edge of the street, where a transport bike was waiting. Elias hopped on and patted the seat behind him. "Hop on. Time's ticking."

"Is this part of one of your brilliant escape plans?" she asked, eyeing the bike skeptically.

"It's plan number three," he replied, grinning. "The one where we ride into the night like fugitives. It's classic."

Aria sighed but climbed on. As she wrapped her arms around his waist, she muttered, "This better work."

Elias revved the bike, the engine roaring to life. "It always does," he called back, and they sped off into the night.

As they weaved through the maze of city streets, the Tribunal drones buzzing in the distance, Aria felt a mix of adrenaline and apprehension. She wasn't sure what the next few hours would bring, but she knew one thing—if she was going to make it out of this, she'd have to learn to trust Elias. Even if he drove her crazy.

In the distance, a drone's spotlight flickered through the streets, and the bike swerved sharply to avoid it. Elias grinned over his shoulder. "Hang on tight—this is the part where things get fun."

Aria's grip tightened as the bike sped up, her heart pounding. She had a feeling that with Elias, things were always going to be a little chaotic.