PTE

ath t

n in encrypted folders, were

roup called The

d to the city's worst crimes-trafficking, ritual sacrifices, political as

the financial t

a leader-a

e of order, while they thrived in chaos. I

xpression unreadable. "This

e just kicked a

s no longer j

face. A godless machi

the whole city

NEX

s laptop. The files were still decrypting, but the names alone were enough to rattle him. Judges, docto

streetlamps outside. She hadn't spoken much since the

" he asked softly. "About the cu

aid. "Not until I wa

ed. "I bel

inged-decrypt

nned documents, video clips, and transaction logs. Each

ce covered-kneeling before a statue carved in obsidian. Th

voice. F

We are merely caretakers. And t

e video. "That

young. Before he understood. No

xpose him.

ure will stop them? They want you to try

ly, a loud knock echoe

yra vanished in

ched the d

. It's

, but only halfway. "

andaged, but not armed. His

lk," Lang said

ped aside

ooked around. "She

didn't

Raleigh chewed me out. Told me to stand down. But he wasn't

do yo

s more than he says. I t

n st

d: 'If Zion digs too deep, make sure he doesn't com

the weigh

rossed. "Then we have le

t her appearance

he truth. But I'm tired of protecting a city that

t Lyra. "We'll

nod

e the next st

an eyebrow.

. Where the rituals happen. Where

silence

e Old Cathedral. A vault sealed decades ago.

ine. The night no longer looked peaceful. It

nd," he said. "To the