The air inside the facility was heavy, filled with the scent of burning circuits and decay. The monitors had gone dark, and for the first time in what felt like forever, the team had a moment to breathe.
Blaze let out a deep sigh, resting his head against Ethan's leg. Shadow leaped onto the console, tail flicking as if daring Evelyn to return.
But the silence was deceptive.
Because deep down, Ethan knew—this wasn't over.
The Aftermath
Noah pressed an ice pack to his ribs, wincing. "So… do we call this a win?"
Olivia reloaded her pistol, her expression unreadable. "We took down her system, but she's still out there. I don't call that a win."
Valerie tapped at the dark screen. "She left us that message on purpose. She wanted us to know this isn't the end."
Ethan crossed his arms. "She's baiting us. And she's not wrong. We need to find her before she rebuilds."
Noah groaned. "Can't we just pretend we didn't see the message and take a vacation?"
Blaze barked. Shadow swiped at his tail.
Ethan smirked. "Even they disagree with you."
Noah muttered, "Traitors."
A New Path
Valerie pulled up a backup drive, scanning the remaining files. "There's something here."
Ethan leaned over. "Coordinates?"
She nodded. "A remote facility. Not listed in any official records."
Olivia raised an eyebrow. "You think she's there?"
Valerie's expression darkened. "I think it's where this all started."
Ethan took a deep breath. "Then that's where we go next."
Noah shook his head. "We're really doing this, huh?"
Ethan grinned. "What's the worst that could happen?"
Blaze whined. Shadow flicked her tail.
Even they knew better than that.
Because if Evelyn Carter was still alive…
The worst was yet to come.