Elizabeth's breaths came in sharp, ragged bursts as she helped Clara drag Daniel down the emergency stairwell. The echoing gunfire above them rattled through her chest, each burst a stark reminder that Xavier was still up there, fighting for their escape.
"Keep moving," Clara urged, her voice tight. Her tablet was clutched under one arm, a pistol in the other. "We're almost to the ground floor."
Daniel groaned, his weight sagging against Elizabeth as they descended another flight. He was too weak to walk on his own, his head lolling as consciousness threatened to slip away.
"Stay with us, Daniel," Elizabeth pleaded. "We're getting you out."
Clara's earpiece buzzed. "Victoria here. Perimeter's clear for now, but we're running out of time. Extraction team, what's your status?"
"We're en route to the exit," Clara replied, her tone clipped. "Anderson's men are still in pursuit."
