Chapter 48: Rising Waters

The roar of rushing water grew louder, echoing through the tunnel like an oncoming storm. Ava’s breath caught in her throat as she sprinted toward the faint light ahead—the exit that seemed so close yet impossibly far. Her boots splashed through the shallow water, pooling at her feet, and the icy cold soaked through her clothes. Lucas was right beside her, his face set in determination. “Keep moving!” he shouted over the noise, urgency in his voice. “We’re almost there!” Behind them, Callum, the whistleblower, stumbled his expression, a mix of fear and desperation. “You don’t understand,” he gasped. “They control everything—communications, surveillance, even the water systems. They’ll do anything to stop us!” Lydia, still handcuffed but moving swiftly, spat, “He’s right. Drayton will drown us all if it means protecting his secrets.” Ava pushed herself harder, every muscle burning. “We’re not going to let that happen,” she said. “Jess, we’re close to the exit, but they’re flooding t