Chapter 7: The Subterranean Maze
258 Words
The utility tunnels beneath the terminal were a labyrinth of rusted pipes, dripping condensation, and flickering emergency lights that cast long, skeletal shadows across the concrete floor.
Elena stumbled over a loose cable, her breath catching in her throat as she scrambled to regain her footing. Lorenzo caught her elbow just in time, pulling her forward without slowing his pace.
Lorenzo
Watch your step. These tunnels connect directly to the old transit lines. If we reach sector nine, we'll find an armored transport waiting off-grid.
Elena
(Wiping a streak of soot from her cheek, her dark eyes flashing with frustration)
You treat me like cargo, Lorenzo. Dante treats me like a tactical asset. Doesn't anyone in this entire syndicate see me as a person?
Lorenzo
(Stopping abruptly beside a rusted junction box, his jaw tightening as he looks back at her)
In our world, Ms. Elena, people who are seen as "people" end up like Julian—wiped from the database and forgotten in a gutter. The boss doesn't care about anyone. The fact that he hasn't handed you over to the council yet means you mean more to him than he’s willing to admit. Don't test that line.
Before Elena could demand an explanation, the heavy security door at the far end of the tunnel blew inward with an earsplitting blast of white-hot plasma.
Sparks rained down like fireworks as heavy boots hit the concrete floor through the smoke.
Lorenzo
(Drawing his sidearm instantly, shoving Elena behind a concrete pillar)
Get down! They bypassed the secondary grid!
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