The door didn't open.
Not because it was locked—but because Lyris stopped them with one hand raised.
"Wait."
Ragna froze mid-step, claws half-curled. Mira's grip tightened on the towel she was still holding, useless but instinctive.
Another thump rolled through the ground. Heavier. Metallic. It came with a low vibration that settled into the bones instead of the ears.
Then voices outside. Calm. Short. Controlled.
Boots passed the door at a jog.
A radio crackled in the corridor.
"…copy, visual confirmed… continue sweep… no deviation…"
Ragna leaned close to the door, ears twitching hard. "That's not combat. They're not panicking."
Mira swallowed. "Then what is it?"
Lyris exhaled slowly. "Routine."
The wall panel chimed again. The same neutral voice spoke, longer this time. The tone didn't rise. Didn't rush.
Whatever was happening, Atlas had done it before.
Ragna grimaced. "I hate that."
