The timer on the control room screen continued its relentless countdown.
00:08:21
Seraphina's eyes remained fixed on the numbers for a brief moment before she forced herself to look away. Panic would slow her down, and she refused to let fear dictate her actions.
Lucien stepped forward, positioning himself between her and Adrian without hesitation. "Turn it off," Lucien said calmly.
Adrian leaned casually against the control panel, as if the ticking clock behind him meant nothing. "You are not in a position to give orders," Adrian replied.
Seraphina moved slightly to Lucien's side, her voice steady. "What did you activate?"
Adrian's smile sharpened. "Insurance."
Lucien's jaw tightened. "You locked the exits," he said. "You triggered a system-wide lockdown."
Adrian tilted his head slightly. "That is only part of it."
