KNOCK KNOCK, GOING IN NOW

The night air was thick with tension.

The Clan moved in silence, weaving through the ruins on the outskirts of the government's research facility. The metallic scent of damp steel and burnt dirt clung to the air, remnants of past battles that had long since been buried.

Razor led the way, his steps sure and deliberate. Shade was close behind, his eyes scanning the perimeter for movement. Cipher crouched near a rusted-out vehicle, his pad in hand, fingers flying across the screen as he worked to override the facility's security grid.

Myst pulled the leather jacket tighter around her shoulders, steadying her breathing. The mission had barely begun, but the weight in her chest was already pressing down on her.

Cipher let out a quiet curse under his breath. "Their firewall's stronger than last time. I need a second."

Myst stepped closer, glancing over his shoulder at the cascading lines of code. Instinct took over before she could second-guess herself. "Here. Try rerouting through their secondary relay," she whispered, reaching out.

Her fingers hovered over the pad before she hesitated.

Cipher arched a brow but didn't stop her. "If this backfires, it's on you."

She didn't respond, just let the familiar pulse of her ability guide her. A slight hum passed through her fingertips as she manipulated the digital current, threading through the system's weak points like it was second nature.

A moment later, the security feed flickered.

Cipher blinked. Then a smirk tugged at his lips. "Well, damn. Guess you're not out of practice."

Myst exhaled, stepping back. "I'll take that as a thank you."

"Almost in," Cipher whispered, the glow from his screen casting sharp shadows over his face. "Surveillance is looping. You've got a five-minute window before they catch on."

Razor nodded. "That's all we need. Move."

They slipped past the outer fence, keeping low as they crossed the open ground toward the facility's side entrance. Blaze pressed against the wall, peering around the corner before giving a sharp nod.

"Clear," he murmured. "For now."

Nyx fell into step beside Myst, his voice just above a whisper. "You good?"

She gave a curt nod, eyes locked on the entrance ahead. No hesitation. Not now.

The door slid open with a faint hiss as Cipher worked his magic. Echo gave an approving whistle under his breath. "Remind me to get you something nice, Cipher."

"Shut up and move," Cipher muttered.

One by one, they disappeared into the darkened corridors of the facility.

And then, somewhere deep inside, an alarm started to beep.

The alarm's beeping was slow at first—just a quiet beating beneath the hum of the facility's systems. But then it quickened, sharp and urgent, flashing red lights along the corridor walls.

"Cipher," Razor's voice was low but edged with command.

"I know," Cipher muttered, already working. His fingers flew across his pad, trying to override whatever had triggered the system. "That wasn't me. Something tripped the internal sensors."

"Think they know we're here?" Blaze asked, already gripping the hilt of his knife.

"We've got about sixty seconds before we find out," Shade said, his voice cold as ever.

Razor didn't hesitate. "Let's move fast. Stick to the plan."

Echo let out a quiet chuckle, unholstering his pistol. "You say that like the plan ever goes smoothly."

They split into formation, moving swiftly through the corridor. Cipher guided them from the center, his eyes darting between his pad and the security feeds he'd hijacked. Myst stayed near him, her pulse steady but her mind sharp, ready for anything.

"South hall is clear," Cipher whispered, tilting the screen for Razor to see. "If we push now, we can reach the main servers before—"

The overhead lights flickered once. Then twice.

And then, the entire corridor was bathed in emergency red.

"Yeah, so, change of plans," Cipher muttered. "They definitely know we're here."

A metallic hiss echoed from the far end of the hallway as blast doors slammed shut, cutting off their exit. A moment later, the steady thud of boots against metal filled the air.

"Contact," Shade confirmed, already pulling his weapon free.

"Here we go," Blaze muttered, cracking his knuckles.

Myst took a step back, instinct kicking in as the first figures appeared at the far end of the hall. Armored, armed, and moving with accuracy. Here we go again.

Her heartbeat pounded against her ribs. She wasn't defenseless.

She could still fight. Right?