The Second Contract
They reached the test chamber through a narrow corridor that smelled of dust, oil, and old machinery. Paolo moved quickly despite his age, explaining that the chamber had once been used to test Sovereign under extreme conditions before the project was moved into newer facilities. Sofia recognized several components from her father’s notes and realized Mateo had designed the system around a principle she had been using instinctively at Vantari. Lucien watched her examine the equipment and said that every time he thought they had reached the center of the mystery, she found another door.
Sofia answered that doors were easier than people because at least doors did not pretend they were locked for your protection. Lucien almost smiled, but the sound of another impact eras
