Chapter 7: Into the Heart of Darkness

Two nights later, Elara, Kade, and a small team set out for the surveillance station. They traveled under cover of darkness, moving silently across the wasteland to avoid the Ascendant patrols. The station loomed in the distance, a cold, metallic structure that seemed to hum with an unnatural energy.

As they approached, Kade pulled Elara aside. "Stay close. We can't afford any slip-ups."

They crept along the perimeter until they reached an unguarded entrance. Inside, the walls were lined with flickering screens, each one showing footage of different areas in both the Ascendant and Echo cities. It was eerie, seeing their world monitored so closely.

"Keep quiet," Raya whispered. She gestured to Kade, who began planting small explosive charges around the room. Elara's heart pounded as she helped him, hands shaking as she fastened the final device.

They were almost finished when a guard appeared at the far end of the hallway. Elara froze, but Kade reacted instantly, lunging forward to tackle the guard before he could sound the alarm. A muffled scuffle ensued, and Elara winced as Kade silenced him.

They activated the charges and sprinted from the building. Seconds later, a deafening explosion erupted behind them, and the entire surveillance station went dark. They'd bought themselves a little more time.

But as they fled, Elara couldn't shake the feeling that the cost of victory was growing too high.