Flames in the Dark

The lab exploded into chaos as Winterglass drones swarmed through shattered entrances, their cold mechanical eyes scanning for targets with ruthless efficiency.

Sparks flew as gunfire echoed off cracked walls, the sharp report of weapons mingling with the metallic screech of drones' engines.

Ava's golden flames blazed fiercely, casting flickering light over the battlefield as she shielded Kaela from a lethal burst.

"Noah, cover our left!" she shouted, voice sharp with urgency.

Noah pivoted, firing precise shots, each round tearing into the advancing drones.

Luca scrambled to hack into the lab's security systems, fingers flying over a damaged terminal. "I'm trying to seal the east corridor — give me time!"

Sable dashed through the fray, deploying EMP grenades that short-circuited multiple drones in brilliant flashes of blue and white.

The team fought tooth and nail, backs against the collapsing walls, desperation driving every movement.

Suddenly, an explosion rocked the lab, debris raining down like deadly hail.

Ava's breath caught as a drone crashed nearby, sparks flying dangerously close.

"We need to get out — now!" Kaela yelled, grabbing Ava's arm.

With a fierce burst of flames, Ava incinerated a blocking drone, clearing a path to the emergency exit.

The team sprinted through smoke and rubble, hearts pounding, lungs burning.

Behind them, the lab's systems began to overload — a countdown to destruction.

Bursting into the cool night air, they didn't stop running until the lab was nothing but a blazing inferno behind them.

Panting, bruised, but alive.

The fight wasn't over — it had only just begun.

To be continued...