Page 129

"There," I call, pointing toward the opening.

Vex reaches it first, amber eyes peering into the darkness. "Clear. About four meters deep, dry toward the back."

We pile in gratefully, dripping water forming puddles at the cave's mouth. The space is tight but sufficient, allowing us to shed soaked outer layers and access dry supplies from the waterproof sections of our packs.

"Some shelter," I comment, wringing water from my hair. "Cozy."

"Better than drowning," Vex observes dryly.

Trent distributes emergency thermal blankets—thin metallic sheets that reflect body heat. Not exactly luxury accommodations, but they'll prevent hypothermia as temperatures continue to drop with nightfall.

"We should take advantage of the storm cover," he suggests, unfolding a tactical map protected in waterproof material. "Push through the night once the worst passes."

"The drones will be grounded," I agree. "And any ground patrols will seek shelter like we did."

"What about the crystal?" Lily asks, retrieving it from her pack. In the cave's darkness, it glows with subtle blue-green light, pulsing like a heartbeat. "It's been getting more active for the past hour."

I study the strange object, modifications sensing something beyond standard perception. "It's almost like it's responding to our location. Like we're getting closer to whatever it's keyed to."

"The map showed the Northern Archive approximately forty kilometers from this position," Trent calculates. "Not close enough to explain increased activity."

"Unless there's something else," Vex suggests. "Something not on the map."

Lightning illuminates the cave entrance in brilliant white,followed immediately by thunder that shakes loose soil from the ceiling. The storm rages outside, rain now falling in nearly horizontal sheets driven by gale-force winds.

"Going nowhere until this passes," I decide.

We settle in as comfortably as possible in the confined space, sharing rations and arranging watch rotations. Despite exhaustion pulling at my limbs, I volunteer for first watch. Too wired to sleep anyway, mind racing with questions about the crystal's behavior and what we might find at the Northern Archive.

Lily curls up in the cave's deepest recess, wrapped in thermal blankets with the crystal nestled protectively in her small hands. Within minutes, her breathing deepens into sleep, silver eyes finally closing after hours of vigilant observation.

Vex positions himself near the cave entrance, where he can monitor approaches without being visible from outside. Trent settles beside me, our shoulders touching in the cramped space.

"You should rest," I tell him quietly. "You've barely slept since we left the outpost."

A slight smile touches his lips. "Whose fault is that?"

Heat rises in my cheeks at the memory. "Fair point."

His hand finds mine in the dimness, fingers intertwining with casual intimacy that still feels new and slightly surreal after years of enforced distance.

"We're being hunted by Unity's most elite forces, hiding in a cave during a monsoon, with experimental genetic material pulsing like a beacon," I observe. "Not exactly how I pictured our first real date going."

His quiet laugh warms me more than the thermal blanket. "I'll make it up to you when we reach the Northern Settlements. I hear they have actual restaurants. With real food."

"Promises, promises."

Our brief moment of normalcy ends as Vex returns fromhis position at the entrance, expression serious. "Ground movement, western approach. Too regular for wildlife."

"Unity patrol?" Trent asks, instantly alert.

"Can't confirm yet. Rain masks scent signatures and sound patterns." Vex's amber eyes glow slightly in the darkness. "But they're heading this direction with purpose."

I move to Lily, gently waking her. "We might have company," I whisper, keeping my voice calm. "Stay quiet and follow our lead."

She nods, instantly awake and alert, the crystal clutched tightly in her hand. Its pulsing has accelerated, light growing brighter despite her attempts to cover it.

"The crystal," she whispers urgently. "I can't make it stop."