Chapter 6 · The Dead Line

The map burned in Elara's vision like someone had carved it directly into her retinas. Every line, every junction, every abandoned station glowing red against the dark. And right in the center, pulsing like a heartbeat—Platform Zero.

"Move." Nora's hand locked around her wrist, dragging her deeper into the tunnel. "Whatever that thing just did, it lit you up like a gods-damned flare."

Elara stumbled forward, the token scalding her palm. The map flickered but didn't fade. She could see their position now—a thin line threading through what should have been solid concrete. "This tunnel isn't on any official grid."

"Yeah, no shit." Nora's flashlight cut through the dust. "It's been sealed since the Collapse. Nobody comes down here."

"Someone did." Elara's voice came out steadier than she felt. "Someone built this whole network under the network, and they gave me the key to it."

Footsteps echoed behind them. Heavy. Running.

"Elara Vale!" Kane's voice cracked through the tunnel like a whip. "Stop!"

Nora swore and yanked her sideways into a maintenance alcove. "Your investigator friend?"

"He's not my friend." Elara pressed against the cold wall, heart hammering. "He thinks I'm going to kill everyone."

"Are you?"

"I don't know."