Chapter 57: Echoes Of Betrayal

The adrenaline coursed through Emily's veins as she and Damien retraced their steps through the stark corridors of the Council's facility.

 The sterile walls and faint hum of fluorescent lights amplified every creak of their boots against the floor.

 The grotesque images from the lab they had infiltrated still burned vividly in Emily's mind—mutilated test subjects, grotesque mutations, and the cold efficiency of the scientists who oversaw it all.

Damien led the way, his posture taut with focus. He raised a fist, signaling her to stop, and listened intently. 

The faint echoes of footsteps reached them, and Emily's heart jumped in her chest.

"They're still sweeping the floor," Damien whispered, his voice barely audible.

Emily nodded, her hand instinctively brushing against the sidearm holstered at her hip. 

She felt the familiar weight of it, but it offered little comfort.