Obey: 16. The Heart of the Network

Clara’s pulse was a drumbeat in her ears as she followed Marcus through the shadowed streets. The building ahead was nondescript — a warehouse that could have been abandoned, but the faint hum of activity told a different story. This was the heart of Ravik’s network.

“Remember,” Marcus murmured, his hand brushing hers, a tether grounding her, “every move counts. Eyes open, instincts sharp. Trust me, but act with your own mind.”

She nodded, swallowing hard. The fear was sharp, but beneath it, a current of exhilaration surged. This wasn’t just following anymore — this was participation, choice, control, survival. And Marcus’s proximity, the heat of his hand in hers, made her pulse thrum in ways unrelated to fear.

The front door was locked with a keypad. Marcus bypassed it with practiced ease, and they slipped inside. The warehouse smelled faintly of oil and dust, with the low hum of computers and quiet voices in the distance. Clara’s stomach twisted in anticipation.

“