Chapter 61: Into the Heart of Darkness

The predawn light barely touched the horizon as the team moved through the dense forest, their breaths visible in the cold morning air. Ava led the way, her eyes sharp and alert as they approached the location of the Meridian bunker. The forest was silent, the thick canopy of trees providing cover as they approached the entrance. Every step felt heavy, given the magnitude of what lay ahead. This mission wasn’t just about stopping Meridian but preventing global chaos. Phase Two was more than just a follow-up to Project Nexus; it was a full-scale operation designed to plunge entire cities into darkness and disrupt the world’s most vital systems. If they failed, the consequences would be catastrophic. Ava felt the cold metal of her weapon against her side, a constant reminder of the danger they were walking into. She glanced at Lucas, who was moving beside her, his face set with determination. He hadn’t spoken much since their conversation at the safe house, but Ava could tell that the