The corridor grew increasingly silent.
Not a calming silence.
More like a space waiting for something to happen.
The air felt cold.
And every step sounded clearly.
Adrian Blackwood stood right in front of the massive door.
Its surface was smooth.
Seamless.
It felt alive.
As if there was a system constantly monitoring.
Assessing.
Waiting.
Behind him, Leonard Graves watched the corridor.
The sound of footsteps from a distance could be heard again.
More of them.
Faster.
"We don't have much time," he said softly.
Daniel's voice came through the comms.
"I'm connected."
His tone tense.
Controlled.
"This is a layered locking system."
Sophia stared at the screen in her hand.
Her eyes sharp despite her body still feeling weak.
"Don't force it directly."
Daniel nodded, even though he couldn't be seen.
"I'm looking for a gap."
Adrian remained silent.
His hand touched the surface of the door.
He felt a faint vibration.
Like a pulse.
Like something living behind it.
