The air in the car was thick with tension as Leo sped through the outskirts of the city. Gravel crunched beneath the tires as the vehicle pushed through the darkness, nearing the Black Lotus base.
But even before the first building of the compound came into view—before the perimeter lights or guards—they heard it.
Gunfire.
Lilith's eyes widened. "Already?"
Leo's jaw clenched as he accelerated. "They're fast. Too fast."
The thunder of assault rifles echoed across the open field, and with each passing second, it grew louder—closer. The scent of smoke drifted in through the air vents. Something was burning.
Then it happened.
A hail of bullets screamed through the darkness, tearing through the windshield and rear glass. The sudden eruption of shattered glass rained over them like deadly snow.
"Down!" Leo shouted, grabbing the steering wheel tightly as he ducked his head below the dashboard.
Lilith dropped immediately, her hand already reaching for her sidearm.
