“We follow the main coolant lines,” Vance said.

He pointed down a narrow walkway.

“They lead straight to the lower medical labs,” he said.

We started moving.

Our boots made a sharp metallic clatter on the grating.

The air was hot and thick.

It felt like breathing steam.

“Keep moving,” I told Vance.

He stumbled once, catching himself on a hot pipe.

He cried out and pulled his hand back.

“Hurry,” I said, nudging him forward.

I kept my hand on the grip of my weapon.

Every shadow looked like a threat.

A loud static pop came from a speaker on the wall above us.

“Rowan,” Tessa’s voice echoed through the metal shaft.

She sounded closer now, her voice clear.

“I know you chose the utility corridor,” she said.

“My security team has already sealed the lower maintenance hatches.”

“You are walking into a dead end.”

I ignored her voice and kept walking.

“Is she telling the truth?” I asked Vance.

“There is an emergency exit at the bottom,” he whispered. “But it requires a physical key.”

“Do you have it?” I asked.