*Chapter 19: The Safe House*
Ryker drove them to a nondescript building on the outskirts of the city. Aria's eyes narrowed as she looked around, trying to get her bearings.
"Where are we?" she asked Ryker.
"This is a safe house," he replied. "It's a place where we can lay low for a while and figure out our next move."
Aria nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She was grateful to have a place to hide, at least for a little while.
As they entered the building, Aria saw that it was equipped with all sorts of gadgets and gizmos. There were computers, surveillance equipment, and even a small arsenal of guns and knives.
Ryker smiled as he saw her looking around. "This place has been set up by a friend of mine," he said. "It's a place where we can be safe, at least for a little while."
Just then, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was a woman with short, spiky hair and a leather jacket.
"Hey, Ryker," she said, nodding at him. "I see you've brought some friends."
Ryker smiled. "Aria, Sophia, this is Zephyr," he said. "She's an old friend of mine."
Aria's eyes narrowed as she looked at Zephyr. There was something about her that didn't quite add up.
"What do you do, Zephyr?" Aria asked, trying to sound casual.
Zephyr smiled, a mischievous glint in her eye. "I'm a hacker," she said. "I specialize in getting into places that are supposed to be secure."
Aria's eyes widened as she realized the implications. Zephyr was exactly the kind of person they needed to help them take down Vraxxis.
But as she looked at Zephyr, Aria couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her than met the eye.