Chapter 5 - The Underground Network
The tunnel was a labyrinth of black water and echoing history. They stumbled through the dark for miles until they reached a subterranean basement, a relic of the Prohibition era.
"We're safe for now," Vane said, breathless as he caught up to them. He slammed his laptop shut. "It’s done. The files are uploaded to a dead-man’s switch. If I don't check in every twelve hours, the entire cache hits every server from here to Geneva."
Evelyn sat on a damp crate, her elegant dress stained with mud and soot. Leo was asleep, his head resting on her lap, his breathing finally deep and rhythmic.
"They’ll be coming for you, too," Evelyn said.
"I’m a ghost, Evelyn. I’ve been living in these shadows for years," Vane replied. He looked at the boy. "You realize what this means? You’ll never be able to go back. Your wealth, your influence—it’s all forfeit the moment those files go live."
May you like
Evelyn looked at Leo’s face—the peaceful, unburdened expression of a child who no longer had to fear the dark.
"I traded a throne for a life," she said softly. "It’s a bargain I should have made a long time ago."
