The sound of two ticking explosives permeated the small space, with each second hammering like a beating drum in Grace's ears. The new device beneath the shelving unit emitted a piercing, repetitive hum, its light creating spooky shadows over the walls. Lucas' face stiffened, and his jaw tightened with deadly determination.
“Grace,” Lucas said, his voice firm. “Get out of here. Now.”
“No,” Grace shot back, her voice trembling. "I won't leave you with this. We either figure it out jointly or we don't."
"Grace," Lucas hissed, his gaze locked on hers. “This isn’t a debate. You need to go.”
"I'm not going anywhere!" she shouted, her hands shaking. "You aren't sacrificing yourself. Not again.”
The man on the floor chuckled darkly, blood dripping from his split lip. “Touching. Really. But y
