For three seconds, neither Sophia nor Marcus moved.
The darkness felt heavier than it should have. Sophia could hear her own breathing.
Then came another sound.
A metallic click.
Someone was trying the archive door from the other side.
Marcus released her arm.
"Stay behindit me."
Sophia frowned.
"Why should I trust you?"
"You shouldn't."
His answer caught her off guard.
Marcus reached beneath his jacket and pulled out a small flashlight.
The beam swept across the room.
"Not yet."
Sophia stared at him.
"Then why are you helping me?"
"Because if they find what you've uncovered, neither of us walks out of here."
Another click came from the door.
Sophia looked toward it.
"How many?"
"At least two."
"Security?"
Marcus shook his head.
"Not Palace security."
Sophia's instincts sharpened.
"What makes you sure?"
"Because Palace security doesn't cut the power to an archive."
He moved toward one of the monitors.
Sophia followed.
