The Whisperer’s cryptic warning about the Serpent’s Coil hung heavy in the air, a phantom chill cutting through the lounge’s humid warmth. Kael exchanged a quick, knowing glance with Zara. The old financial district was a labyrinth of forgotten tunnels and crumbling data lines, a perfect spot for secrets to fester. “Serpent’s Coil it is,” Kael stated, already mentally mapping the quickest, least observed routes. Zara, ever eager for a challenge, grinned, pulling a small, sleek data-slicer from her jacket. “Looks like we’re going spelunking, old man. Hope you brought your glow sticks. This is gonna be a damn trip.”