ld library. Avery's sharp reflexes kicked in despite the chaos as she struggled to s

, a bleeding cut over his

erged from behind a fallen

ooked angry as he brushed dirt off his exp

to move. Not now." To maintain their brief alliance against a common enemy, the four left the scene without speaking.

covered in dust. She felt a tingling at the back of her neck. Years of training screamed "da

ckly filled with chaos. Avery spotted someone on a rooftop far away, the dawn sun glinting off a scope. Her heart raced as

ry spun around, ready to fight, and found a freshman with wi

t. "I heard an exp

fired. Using the chaos to her advantage, Avery half-dragged the terrified stud

mention me. Understand?" After the freshman nodded, Avery rushed off, her m

n apartment in a quiet area, perfect for staying hidden. She knocked on the door using the code El

, exhaling. "We were st

a desk piled with documents and an old laptop. Damien l

dily. "Things went off course. So

d they fell silent. "They were professionals, though I don't know who the

her with concern

fine. But we need to understand what's going on.

th that." She gestured to the papers in front of her. "I've been resear

at the mention of her fathe

r's disappearance wasn't entirely voluntary. There are rival factions fight

d how does this relate to

ance, some Sterling relatives..." She glanced at Damien, who re

"I hadn't co

what I've learned, The Architect is the real po

's mind. "And you think this Archite

n to Blackthorn and your growing influence make you a

ery felt the weight of her family's legacy pressing down o

need to be ready if The Architect moves. This is m

her skeptically. "And I

as almost too pleased. "Actually, I do.

were here to 'usher in a new ord

rcumstances change. I'm fle

s face went pale as she pulled out her phone and

ucas asked, sli

has changed, little Chen. Time to go home and claim your inherit

aces of her unlikely companions. "

he training that had shaped her rushed through her mind. She thought about her life at Blackthorn and the frag

Elena asked gently, cut

o uncover the truth. About my father, The Architect, and e

f secrets, Damien with his dangerous allure, and Lucas w

orn University, Avery Chen stood on the brink of a decision that would change her life forever. Time was running out, and buried secrets were resurfacing. The fate of everyone e