The rhythmic sound of footsteps echoed softly through the pristine concrete stairwell.
Kai took the steps two at a time, his fire axe resting lazily across his shoulder, while Erik followed at a much steadier pace with a steaming mug of coffee in one hand. Even in the apocalypse, his morning coffee remained non-negotiable.
"One day," Kai muttered over his shoulder, "I'm stealing that coffee maker."
"You've been saying that since we bought it."
"And one day I'll mean it."
Erik snorted.
"The machine belongs to Penny."
Kai sighed dramatically.
"So I've already lost."
The corner of Erik's mouth twitched into the faintest smile as they reached the final flight leading to the twenty-fifth floor.
The heavy fire door swung open.
Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows lining the exclusive hallway, casting warm beams across polished marble floors that looked untouched by the chaos consuming the city outside.
If not for the silence...
