The city of Shanghai was just beginning to wake up as Ethan and the team made their way through the streets. The early morning light reflected off the skyscrapers, casting long shadows across the ground. Despite the bustling life of the city around them, Ethan felt an eerie stillness in the air, as if the world was holding its breath, waiting for what was to come next.
They had found temporary refuge in a small, nondescript hotel on the outskirts of the city. The room was sparsely furnished, with a single bed, a small table, and a few chairs. Zoe was at the table, her laptop open, the screen casting a bluish glow on her face. Alex was sitting on the edge of the bed, her injured leg propped up on a pillow. Lang was by the window, peering through the blinds, ever watchful.