Nova's hand remained pressed against the metal door, his palm steady even as alarms blared softly in the background.
The door's interface pulsed to life, projecting a faint blue light across his face.
[Verifying genetic imprint... partial match detected. Subject not registered as active personnel. Scanning divine residue... Kin of Death God detected. Temporary access granted to Command Sector.]
The monotone voice echoed.
Anna's breath hitched.
"What does that mean? Gods don't have—"
She stopped herself, blinking at Nova.
Without turning, Nova brought two fingers to his throat and dragged them in a slicing motion, a silent order to stop speaking.
Anna shut her mouth instantly. She'd pushed too far. Her eyes darted over her shoulder as mechanical clanking echoed from down the corridor—getting closer.
"Nova, hurry."
The door groaned open with a hiss of steam and ancient hydraulics. The moment it was wide enough, Nova pulled her inside, and the door sealed shut behind them.
