The fallout from Hale's transmission left the bunker in a heavy, uneasy silence.
Lena's grip on her weapon slackened only slightly as she exchanged wary glances with Emily and Jared.
Every heartbeat throbbed with the realization that nothing was as it seemed—and that the true enemy was not who they'd once thought.
"His message," Emily finally said, breaking the stillness, "it means we're at a crossroads.
Hale isn't just reaching out—he's warning us. And that warning comes with a price."
Jared rubbed his temple, his tone edged with exhaustion.
"If Hale's right—and if those Architects really have been pulling the strings—then we're all standing on thin ice.
Ignoring this call could mean walking right into a trap we can't escape."
Lena's eyes narrowed, distrust warring with reluctant hope. "Trusting him is a risk.
After everything, how can we be sure that this isn't just another one of his schemes?"
