Chapter 38: The Final Gambit

The air felt heavier than ever, thick with tension and the bitter scent of smoke that lingered after the explosion. 

Emily's pulse raced as she stepped carefully over the debris, her boots crunching against the fractured floor. 

The sound of her own breath echoed in her ears, blending with the distant crackle of gunfire and the hum of failing electronics.

Every part of her was on edge, but there was no turning back now. 

They had made it this far. They were about to bring an end to the nightmare that had haunted them for so long. 

But Rook had always been two steps ahead, and now, Emily could feel the weight of his presence looming somewhere in the shadows.

"Grant," she whispered into her earpiece, keeping her voice steady despite the gnawing sense of unease. "How's the team holding up?"

"Still pushing forward, but it's getting harder," Grant replied, his voice tight with tension.