Chapter 46 - The Voice Beyond the Vault
No one dared breathe.
Jacob Mercer's voice echoed once more from the darkness beyond the massive steel vault.
"Captain... come alone."
Samuel's face drained of color.
"That's impossible."
Henry slowly shook his head.
"I buried Jacob myself... or at least I believed I did."
Nathan Cross remained perfectly calm. He showed neither surprise nor concern. Instead, he watched Elias carefully, studying every reaction.
Elias stepped closer to the vault.
The voice came again.
"If you trust anyone else... everyone dies."
The rescue team leader immediately protested.
"It could be a recording."
"It could," Elias agreed.
"But if it isn't, we've waited twenty years for this moment."
He removed his flashlight from his belt and handed it to Samuel.
"If I'm not back in fifteen minutes, seal every document you've found and leave this mountain."
"No," Samuel replied firmly.
"We're coming with you."
Elias smiled faintly.
"That's exactly what whoever is inside expects."
May you like
Without another word, he crossed the threshold alone, disappearing into the darkness while the enormous vault remained partially open behind him.
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