章節 308: Story 308: Trust

The low hum of machinery reverberated through the dimly lit room as Zara stood by the window, her mind racing. Outside, the Vanguard Collective's soldiers moved like clockwork, their rigid discipline a constant reminder of how precarious her situation was. Behind her, Callum limped into the room, fresh from the med bay, his bandages peeking out from under his torn shirt.

"Not exactly the warm welcome I was hoping for," Callum muttered, dropping into a chair with a wince.

Zara turned to face him, her expression unreadable. "This place feels off," she said, her voice low. "Too organized. Too controlled. It’s not a sanctuary—it’s a fortress."

Callum nodded, his eyes drifting to the door. "Yeah, and that Commander Kade guy? He gives me the creeps. Feels like he knows more about us than he’s letting on."