The roar of the military-grade drill was instantaneous, shattering the marble floor inches from Seraphina's feet. Shards of stone exploded outward, accompanied by the metallic squeal of the grinding tool. The assassin, having failed the environmental kill, was attempting a brute force neutralization before the data detonation could take effect. Seraphina stood fixed in place, shielded only by the sudden localized chaos.
Before the assassin could fully emerge or strike, a new unforeseen force intervened. A figure moved with lightning speed, not from the surrounding crowd, but from the shadow of one of the massive exhibit pedestals. The figure was lean, dark-clad, and moved with a terrifying economy of motion.
He did not eng
