Darkness swallowed the vault.
The emergency lights that had been flashing only seconds earlier disappeared without warning, leaving behind a silence so complete that Linh could hear her own heartbeat.
No one moved.
No one spoke.
The words on the back of the photograph still echoed inside her mind.
Do not trust the man who wears the phoenix.
She tightened her grip on the notebook until her fingers hurt.
"Khang..."
Her voice was barely a whisper.
"I can't see anything."
"I'm here."
His answer came immediately.
Somewhere in the darkness, she felt his hand find hers.
It surprised both of them.
Only hours ago, neither would have reached for the other without hesitation.
Now, instinct had made the decision for them.
"Stay behind me," Khang said quietly.
His tone was calm, but Li
