The explosion didn't just shake the building it tore through the moment like it had been waiting for the exact second Camille lost her grip.
The floor vibrated beneath her feet, a deep, violent tremor that knocked the air from her lungs. The lights flickered hard, then dimmed, then flickered again like they couldn't decide whether to die or fight.
And in that split second of disorientation
The drive slipped.
Camille felt it leave her fingers.
Felt the exact instant control disappeared.
"No"
It hit the ground.
Skidded.
Spun.
Right toward him.
The man moved instantly.
No hesitation. No doubt. Just instinct sharpened by greed and calculation. His hand shot forward, body lunging, eyes locked on the prize like nothing else in the room mattered.
Everything slowed for Camille.
Her heartbeat.
Her breathing.
The space between now and what came next.
If he got it
It was over.
Not just for her.
For everything.
"Dante!"
She didn't even realize she said his name.
