Chapter 21: The Core Awakens
Rain lashed against the ruins of the outer city as Ethan and his team pushed through the darkened streets. The remnants of Haven smouldered behind them — a graveyard of broken steel and shattered lives.
No one spoke. The only sound was the low hum of distant drones patrolling above, their red eyes cutting through the storm like hunting beacons.
Maya stumbled once, catching herself against a wall. “We lost everything,” she said quietly. “All of it.”
Ethan looked back at her — rain streaking his soot-covered face. “No,” he said. “We still have each other. That’s more than they counted on.”
Hannah led the group through an alley, weapon ready. “The resistance cells in the north might still be active. If we can reach them—”
Dr. Myles interrupted, her mechanica
