Footsteps.
The sound echoed slowly at first, then steadier, more deliberate.
Haris appeared in the light — tall, sharp-eyed, wearing an easy smile like they were meeting for coffee instead of a showdown.
“You came alone,” he said, his gaze flicking briefly toward the darkness around her. “Or… almost alone.”
Zulfishan kept her voice steady. “You wanted me here. So here I am. Now tell me why you’ve been doing this.”
Haris gave a small laugh, shaking his head. “Straight to the point. I always liked that about you.” He stepped closer, his boots clicking against the floor. “Your father built something remarkable, Zulfi. Project Echo could have changed the world. But he locked it away — because he was scared of its power. I’m not scared.”
She took a step back, every muscle telling her to k
