Chapter 4 — In the Coder's Shadow

Third Person

The silence in the tunnels beneath Sector 7 was oppressive, broken only by the faint hum of distant machinery and the occasional drip of water from unseen pipes. Ari’s footsteps echoed softly against the narrow metallic walls, her movements deliberate as she led the way. The air was damp and heavy with the mingled scents of rust and stale electricity, a stark contrast to the sterile perfection of the city above. Leo followed closely behind her, his hazel eyes scanning every shadow, every corner, his body tense with the readiness of someone expecting danger to strike at any moment.