Shadows Closing In
The tunnels beneath Lower Novus twisted endlessly, a labyrinth of rusted rails, abandoned maintenance shafts, and flickering emergency lights. Aria's lungs burned with every breath as she followed Kieran, her hands brushing against the cold metal walls.
"Tell me," she demanded between gasps, "who exactly are we running from?"
Kieran's jaw tightened. "The Council doesn't send people—they send machines now. Drones, automated enforcers, anyone who interferes with time is neutralized immediately."
She shivered. "And Luna?"
He didn't answer at first. "She's compromised, but alive. For now. That signal implant keeps her visible to them. We can't risk stopping."
Aria's stomach twisted. "So everyone I care about…"
He shook his head sharply. "Don't think about that. Focus on staying alive."
They turned a corner, and the sound of mechanical whirring grew louder. Light flashed ahead, dancing along the tunnel walls. Drones. Fast. Efficient. Unrelenting.
Kieran motioned for her to drop low. "Stay close."
Aria pressed herself against the wall as he moved forward, silent as a shadow. The drones swept past them, sensors glowing red, scanning every surface. One turned sharply, its beam slicing across her legs. She froze.
Kieran grabbed her wrist and yanked her into a small alcove, their backs pressed against the cold metal. The drone hovered near the entrance, scanning, then moved on.
Aria's heart pounded. "How are you so calm?"
"I've done this before," he replied quietly. "Multiple times."
Her stomach clenched. "You said you watched me die… before."
"Yes." His hand tightened around hers. "Which is why we have to be perfect now."
The tunnel widened into an abandoned transport hub. Broken trams lined the rails, half-buried in debris. Kieran led her toward a hidden service elevator at the far end.
"Once we're above ground, it'll be harder for them to track us," he said. "But not impossible."
Aria swallowed hard, forcing herself to keep moving. Every step felt heavier, every shadow more dangerous.
As they reached the elevator, the faint hum of a drone overhead grew louder, sharper. The air seemed to vibrate with tension.
"Get in," Kieran said, pressing the button. The doors slid open slowly.
Inside, Aria pressed herself into the corner, watching him. "How do we fight something that already knows what we'll do?"
Kieran's eyes met hers, dark and unwavering. "We don't fight it. We outsmart it."
The elevator jolted as it began its ascent. Outside, the city waited—neon lights glowing like the eyes of predators, oblivious to the shadows closing in, and to the future Aria was already creating.
The hum of drones faded as the elevator rose. But Aria knew this: the chase had only just begun.