The words didn’t echo.
They sank.
“It means Noah decides which one of us disappears.”
Lena stared at Alex like she had never seen him before.
“Disappears how?”
He didn’t answer immediately.
And that silence was the answer.
The countdown continued behind them.
23:37:41
23:37:40
23:37:39
The red glow from the timer painted the control room in something almost ritualistic.
“This is sick,” Lena whispered.
“Yes,” Alex agreed.
But there was something else in his voice.
Resignation.
Like he had always known this day would come.
The screen flickered again.
Not Victor this time.
Blueprints.
The estate layout.
Highlighted sections.
A single wing glowing red.
“The east dock,” Alex muttered.
Lena’s stomach dropped.
“The lake.”
He didn’t deny it.
“Phase Three takes place wher
