The cold, metallic hum of the underground facility vibrated through the soles of their boots. The emergency lights cast jagged shadows across the walls, reflecting the tense, pulsing energy of a family on the brink. Ares and Atlas stood side by side, weapons in hand, scanning every corner of the compound with practiced precision.

“This place isn’t just a hideout,” Atlas muttered, jaw tight. “It’s a fortress. Valerian knows exactly what he’s doing. Every angle, every corridor… ...