Chapter 27 The Vault Beneath The City

• Rain began to fall in light, whispering droplets as Nathaniel and Amara stood before the sealed grate hidden behind the crumbling wall of the city’s forgotten aqueduct system. The scent of damp stone, mold, and old secrets filled the air. Lucas flicked on his flashlight, illuminating the rusted bars with a pale, eerie glow.
• "This is it," Nathaniel said, pulling the ancient blueprint from his satchel. “The vault should be directly beneath this level. But it’s not just about finding it—it’s about unlocking it.”
• Amara stepped forward, running her fingers along the metal bars. “This grate hasn’t been moved in decades. Whatever’s down there hasn’t seen light in a long time.”