Darkness pressed in from every side.
The backup lights hadn't kicked in yet.
Only shadows.
Only breath.
Only the sound of footsteps getting closer.
Camille's pulse roared in her ears.
"Elena…" she whispered.
Dante didn't move away from her.
If anything, he moved closer.
One arm slightly in front of her again instinct, protection, automatic.
"Stay behind me," he said quietly.
But this time
Camille didn't fully step back.
She stayed close.
Not hiding.
Standing with him.
A dim glow flickered on.
Emergency lighting.
Red.
Low.
Enough to see
And what Camille saw made her stomach drop.
Elena stood at the entrance.
Alone.
No visible guards.
No weapons in her hands.
But somehow
That made her more dangerous.
"You learn fast," Elena said softly, her eyes flicking between them. "Most people wouldn't figure it out that quickly."
Dante's voice was cold. "You tracked the activation."
Elena smiled. "Of course I did."
Camille's breath tightened.
