At the same time, deep below the city, the underworld pulsed like a living machine. Inside its largest mansion — a sprawling labyrinth of black marble and glass — the innermost chamber was quiet except for the sound of water striking tile. Angel stood beneath a cold shower, actual ice cubes melting against her skin as the steam curled around her.
She stepped out after a moment, water dripping down her neck, and pulled on a single silk robe before walking barefoot across the floor. In the corner, a workstation glowed dim blue, humming softly. A woman was already there, waiting — head bowed, holding out a glass of fresh juice.
Angel took it without a word, sat down at the desk, and booted up the system. The screen flared to life, streams of encrypted data flickering across it. She took a slow sip, eyes fixed on the display.
"I'm going for a deep dive," she said.
