The shattered remnants of the outer gates groaned against the gale, metal screeching on concrete as the storm crested over. Inside the subterranean bunker of Artemis, the heavy double doors slammed shut with a concussive thud that rattled the reinforced bulkheads. The immediate threat was outside, but the air within felt thick, suffocating, cold cedar, and iron.
Jadelyn and Alistair didn't wait for the air to clear. They marched straight toward the silver-clad elevator banks, their movements synchronized in sharp, pragmatic intent.
"We can still catch him," Jadelyn said, her voice clipped as she reached for the call button. Her knuckles were white. "He charged into a Category Four storm like it was a perfect day for walking. He's going to tear the city apart."
"Let him," Alistair muttered, his deadpan tone betraying no panic, though his jaw was clenched tight enough to crack marble. "Saves us the trouble of dealing with Cassian ourselves."
