The sirens of approaching authorities grew louder, echoing through the shattered halls of the Helix Spire. Mira, Draven, Lira, and Elara stood amid the chaos, the truth about the Veil now streaming across every screen in Novaris. But the building's lockdown sequence was still active, and Veylan, though restrained, wore a chilling smile.
"You think this ends with me?" he taunted. "The Veil is bigger than any one person. The city will tear itself apart."
Lira's eyes darted across the control panels. "He's right. The Spire's self-destruct is armed. If it goes off, all the evidence—and us—are gone."
Mira looked to Draven, who was already moving. "I'll stay. I know the override codes from my days in intelligence. I can buy you time to escape and secure the data."
Elara grabbed his arm, desperate. "No, Draven. We just found each other again."
He smiled sadly. "You saved me, Elara. Now let me save you."
Draven turned to Mira and Lira. "Get her out. Make sure the truth survives."
With a heavy heart, Mira led Elara and Lira toward the emergency exit, clutching the data drive. As they fled down the stairwell, Lira glanced back, tears in her eyes. "He's a hero, Mira. He always was."
In the control room, Draven worked furiously, hands flying over the console as the countdown ticked down. Veylan watched him, a grudging respect in his gaze.
"You could have ruled this city," Veylan said quietly.
Draven shook his head. "I'd rather give it hope."
With seconds to spare, Draven entered the final override. The lockdown lifted, the self-destruct halted. But as the authorities stormed in, Draven was caught in the crossfire, shielding the evidence with his own body.
Mira, Lira, and Elara emerged into the dawn, the city's skyline blazing with the first light of hope. Behind them, the Spire was secure—and Draven's sacrifice had ensured the Veil's darkness would never return.