Marcus was on the other side, his crowbar trapped in the frame.

“Adrian!” Marcus shouted, his hand reaching through the bars.

From the darkness behind us, three men in black gear emerged, their flashlights blinding.

“Marcus, drop the shield!” I yelled, reaching through the bars to grab his vest.

“Go, boss,” Marcus said, his voice flat. “The panic room is fifty yards down on the right. Enter the master override.”

Before I could pull him, a heavy boot kicked the crowbar free, and the iron gate locked into place with a mechanical snap.

The magnetic backup power on this side had just engaged, sealing the gate shut.

Through the iron bars, I saw two mercenaries tackle Marcus to the floor.

“Adrian, move!” Daniel yelled, grabbing my arm and pulling me toward the dark hallway. “We cannot break that lock from this side.”

“Marcus!” Nora cried out, but Daniel was already pushing her toward the turn in the corridor.

We ran down the narrow passage, our flashlights cutting through the thick dust.

The air was heavy, smelling of copper and dry rot.