From the shadows, the descending figure moved with calculated precision, disarming another intruder and neutralizing the immediate threat. Maylen realized she could finally breathe, just for a fraction of a second.
But the first intruder wasn’t done. They staggered to their feet, eyes blazing with fury. “You think this ends here?” they spat, voice trembling with rage. “You have no idea what’s coming!”
Maylen’s jaw tightened. “I’ve survived worse than you,” she said, voice steady despite the chaos surrounding her. “And I will survive you too.”
Lanry’s hand closed around hers, gripping tightly, grounding her. “We take the drive. Then we end this,” he said, voice low, full of promise and warning.
Aiden’s eyes flicked to the alley exit. “We move together. Don’t get separated.”
Maylen nodd
