Isabel POV
The automated defenses came alive with a shriek of grinding metal, sending us scrambling for cover. Machine-gun turrets deployed from hidden compartments in the walls, spraying bullets indiscriminately into the chaos. Screams filled the air, and I flattened myself against the ground, clutching my laptop to my chest.
"They're targeting everyone!" I shouted, my voice barely cutting through the cacophony.
Miguel dragged me to my feet, his grip firm. "Move! Now!"
We sprinted down a side corridor, dodging shrapnel and stray gunfire. The building, already battered by the siege, felt like it was collapsing around us. The floor trembled beneath my boots, and the overhead lights flickered like dying fireflies.
Victor's voice crackled over the comms. "We need to split up. Isabel, secure the data. Miguel, find an escape route. Marissa, get us a diversion."
"And you?" Marissa's reply was sharp, her tone daring him to say something foolish.
