The masked figure stepped closer, boots echoing against the metal floor.
The single overhead light flickered, casting warped shadows around them.
Liora tightened her grip on the confidential file with her name on it. Her pulse hammered so loudly it felt like the whole archive could hear it.
Arin positioned himself between her and the masked intruder.
Nova slid sideways, discreetly tapping on her tablet.
Jace grabbed the nearest object he could find — a metal clipboard — and held it like a sword.
“Back off,” Arin warned.
The masked figure ignored him completely. His voice came out low and distorted:
“Crow. You should not be here.”
Liora swallowed. “Why do you keep calling me that? Who are you?!”
The figure tilted his head. “I’m the one trying to keep you alive.”
Jace pointed his
