Crimson and Steel

Her fingers slid across the bookshelf—nothing.

Briella narrowed her eyes slightly, mind whirring.

She turned toward the massive desk—easily twice the size of the one in the office—and tapped her fingers against its polished surface with lazy rhythm.

The desk was neatly arranged. A few tasteful ornaments, several unassuming documents.

She pulled her hands back and shoved them into her coat pockets, tilting her head thoughtfully, lashes low.

Then, after a long pause, she moved to the other side of the desk. Her fingers brushed against a specific corner of the wood.

With a slight flick of her nails—sharp and precise—the panel shifted.

Click.

A hidden section revealed itself: a digital screen with a numeric keypad embedded beneath.

Briella licked her lips, a faint glimmer of excitement in her eyes. A touch of pink flared at the corners.

She stared at the panel for a moment&hellip