The city slept, oblivious to the war waging beneath its streets. But in a small, dimly lit apartment far from the Sterling Tower, Patricia sat alone, her fingers trembling as she held her phone.

The faint hum of the refrigerator and the occasional distant siren outside were the only sounds. Hope, her daughter, slept in the next room, unaware of the peril looming over her family.

Patricia’s eyes darted nervously toward the window before she pressed the call button.

“Now,” she ...