The night outside was a velvet black, pierced only by distant city lights. The team moved swiftly through deserted alleyways, shadows blending with the darkness.
Luca led with his tablet, tracking the faint pulse of the customized comm device.
"We're close," he whispered, voice tense. "Less than a kilometer now."
Ava's flames danced softly in her palm, illuminating their determined faces.
Kaela's grip tightened around her blade, senses sharp. "If this is the betrayer's hideout, we need to be ready for anything."
Sable scanned the perimeter, eyes flicking to every shadow. "Winterglass won't let this go quietly."
As they approached a rundown warehouse, a sudden explosion ripped through the silence, shaking the ground beneath their feet.
"Ambush!" Noah shouted, diving for cover as bullets tore through the air.
Ava's flames roared to life, forming a blazing shield as the team fought back fiercely.
Despite the chaos, Luca's fingers never faltered, maintaining the signal lock.
The betrayer's trail was dangerous — but now, the stakes had never been higher.
The city's fate hung in the balance.
To be continued...