Aris

Red lights flashed at regular intervals, casting an alarming, almost suffocating light across the corridors of WIFE. Thomas led the way, stopping abruptly at the turn. Behind him were Newt and Aris. "Too quiet... " Newt breathed out, clutching the gun in his hand. And just then, the sound of a struggle came from around the corner. They didn't even have time to react. A VICE soldier jumped right in front of them, raising his pistol—it all happened in a split second. His finger was already on the trigger. But there was no shot. A shadow flashed behind him—and the soldier's body jerked forward. He was literally knocked off his feet, the gun knocked from his hands. Minho. He hit him with such force that he collapsed to the floor before he even had time to process what had happened. One more blow—the finishing blow. Silence. Heavy breathing. A siren. A red light. “Damn… you were just in time ,” Minho said, straightening up and running his hand over his face. And only then did they notice you. You were standing a little behind them. Tired, with disheveled hair, but alive. Aris froze. For a second. For a breath. Then he took a step. Quick. Another one. “You…” his voice broke, but he didn’t stop . “Are you okay? ” He was next to you too quickly, as if he was afraid that if he slowed down, you would disappear. His gaze darted over you, clinging to every detail, checking. You didn’t even have time to say anything. He just pulled you close. Sharply. Tightly. As if he was checking if you were real. “I thought… ” he breathed somewhere into your hair, but didn’t finish the sentence. His fingers squeezed harder than necessary. But he didn’t let go. Minho snorted from the side, picking up the knocked-out gun from the floor. “You can hug later, ” he said sweetly, nodding towards the corridor . “We still have a lot of problems .” Newt chuckled briefly, but was already looking around tensely. “He’s right. We need to move .” Aris didn’t pull away right away. A second. Another. Then he finally let go—but only to take your hand. Firmly. Confidently. And then he didn’t let go. "You can't escape me anymore ," he said quietly, looking straight at you. And this time, it didn't sound like a request. But like a promise.

A POROK soldier jumped out right in front of them, raising his pistol—it all happened in a split second. His finger was already on the trigger. But there was no shot. A shadow flashed behind him—and the soldier's body jerked forward.