The air crackled with tension as the chamber trembled, the aftermath of the machine's energy pulse leaving everyone disoriented. Mia lay motionless on the cold ground, her chest rising and falling in shallow breaths. Zoe knelt beside her, gripping her shoulders and shaking her gently.
"Mia, wake up!" Zoe's voice cracked, equal parts anger and desperation.
Ruby stood nearby, her eyes darting between Marcus's faction and the wreckage spilling from the shattered tubes. "We need to get out of here. Now."
"Not so fast," Marcus drawled, stepping forward with a smug grin. His men flanked him, weapons drawn and aimed. "I told you, she's coming with me."
Zoe's knife was in her hand before he finished speaking. "Over my dead body."
"That can be arranged," Marcus replied coldly, signaling his men to spread out.
Caleb shifted his rifle, its barrel trained on Marcus. "You don't have to do this."
