Chapter 25 The facility shook violently. Red emergency lights flashed through every corridor. The computerized voice echoed again. “PROJECT PHOENIX ACTIVATED.” “ALL PERSONNEL REPORT TO EMERGENCY STATIONS.” Panic spread among Adrian’s guards. Some reached for their radios. Others looked toward the lower levels of the facility with visible fear. Even Adrian’s confident smile faltered. Ethan noticed immediately. “Something’s wrong.” Sheriff Brooks nodded. “Those guards…” “They’re scared.” ⸻ Inside Sector 7, Noah slammed his fist against the reinforced glass. “Mora!” “You have to get out!” Amora refused to move. “I’m not leaving without you!” Noah shook his head desperately. “You don’t understand!” “If the Phoenix Protocol starts…” He stopped as two armed guards rushed

