Chapter 37:Collapse

The control room's walls groaned under the strain of the explosions. Dust and debris swirled in the air, choking the light and making every breath a struggle. 

Emily's grip tightened on her weapon, her knuckles whitening as her gaze darted through the dimness. Rook was out there—somewhere—watching, waiting. It was his game now, and they were the pawns.

Every creak and groan of the structure felt like a warning. Catherine leaned against the crumbling console, pressing a bloodied hand to the shallow gash on her forehead.

 Her breathing was labored, but her eyes remained sharp, calculating. "This isn't just a trap," she muttered, breaking the tense silence. "He's stalling us, keeping us locked here."

Emily nodded, her thoughts racing. "Damien, give me a status update!" she barked into her earpiece, her voice tight with urgency.