Chapter 51: Into the Fray

Ava, Lucas, and Lydia sprinted down the hallway, the sounds of shouts and gunfire echoing behind them. The meeting with Leon Blackwood had gone disastrously wrong. Ava's mind raced as they ran, replaying the moment repeatedly: Leon's calm demeanor, cryptic words, and the betrayal etched into Lucas’s face. “We need to find another way out!” Lucas shouted, glancing over his shoulder, his eyes filled with rage and confusion. “They’re closing in from the north side.” Lydia, running ahead, called back, “There’s a service exit near the kitchens! It’s our best shot at getting out before they lock the place down.” Ava nodded, making a quick decision. “All right, lead the way! Jess, do you have eyes on our escape route?” Jess’s voice crackled through their earpieces, tense but focused. “I’ve managed to tap into their internal cameras. The service exit is clear now, but you need to move fast. More guards are converging on your position.” Ava tightened her grip on her weapon, her breath comi