Chapter 111: The Hidden Ally

We moved quickly through the twisting hallways, following Claire’s lead. The control room was within reach, yet every step felt heavier as if the air itself were thick with danger. Ethan kept close, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings. The tension between us all was palpable—mistrust still lingered, despite Claire’s sudden defection to our side.

We rounded a final corner, ducking beneath hanging cables and debris, until Claire stopped in front of a metal door. She pressed her ear against it briefly, then motioned for us to follow her inside.

“This is it,” Claire whispered. “We’ll be safe for a little while.”

The room we entered was dimly lit, filled with computer monitors displaying surveillance feeds, encrypted data streams, and maps marked with enemy movements. But what struck me most was the figure waiting inside—a slender man in his late forties, wearing a frayed suit jacket, his glasses perched precariously on his nose. I knew this man.

“Dr. Lucas?” I gasped. “What the hel