*Chapter 21: The Trap*
Aria's eyes narrowed as she looked at Zephyr. "What kind of trap?" she asked, her voice low and urgent.
Zephyr's face was pale. "Vraxxis has set up a team of mercenaries to ambush us," she said. "They're waiting for us at the entrance to his headquarters."
Ryker's eyes flashed with anger. "We can't let them get the drop on us," he said. "We need to come up with a new plan."
Aria nodded, her mind racing. "We can use the sewer tunnels to get into the headquarters," she said. "It's a risk, but it's our best chance."
Zephyr nodded, her fingers flying across the keyboard. "I can hack into the sewer system's cameras and give you a clear path," she said.
Sophia's eyes widened in alarm. "But what about the mercenaries?" she asked.
Ryker's face was grim. "We'll take care of them," he said. "Don't worry."
As they made their way through the sewer tunnels, Aria's heart was racing. She knew that they were taking a huge risk, but she also knew that they had to try.
Suddenly, Zephyr's voice came through the comms device. "Mercenaries spotted," she said. "Get ready."
Aria's eyes locked onto Ryker's. "Let's do this," she said, her voice firm.
Ryker nodded, a fierce glint in his eye. "We're going in."
As they emerged from the sewer tunnels, Aria saw the mercenaries waiting for them. But she also saw something else - a figure standing in the shadows, watching them.