Her gaze never left Carl, but her fingers were already at a hidden switch.
Before anyone could react
Hissss!
Gas began pouring into the dining hall, a thick cloud flooding the air.
"Cover your nose, Nnenna!" Somto barked
But she was already one step ahead, her collar pressed tightly over her face.
Their heads snapped toward Athena just in time to see her press another button.
With a mechanical whirr, the floor beneath her seat split open, revealing a narrow stairway. She didn't hesitate, slipping into it with quick, precise steps as the hidden hatch began to close behind her.
"She's getting away!" Nnenna shouted, her voice muffled by the cloth she had wrapped around her mouth and nose.
"Let her go! We need to get out of here, now," Somto snapped, his tone urgent. "We can't hold our breath forever!"
"No," Nnenna's eyes were razor sharp above the fabric. "She has information I need."
"Nnenna, don't you dare—" Somto began.
