The air outside did not bring peace.
It felt lighter.
Fresher.
But not enough to erase the pressure still clinging to their chests.
The emergency door behind them slowly closed with a heavy metallic sound. The last vibrations from the underground corridor faded away, leaving a silence that felt foreign after everything they had been through.
Daniel hunched slightly, both hands resting on his knees.
His breathing was still unsteady.
"We… actually got out…"
Leonard Graves stood straight, letting out a long breath as he rubbed his neck.
"For now. Don't celebrate too soon."
Richard Blackwood said nothing.
His gaze swept across the surrounding area.
The place looked like the back of a facility—a narrow yard with high walls, a few parked vehicles, and dimly lit outdoor lamps.
Quiet.
Too quiet.
The child stood near Daniel.
His body was still weak.
But his eyes
had never truly been calm since they came out.
He stared toward the door.
