The vault breathed. Not literally, no air moved but the sense of awareness pressed in from every surface, a low hum of attention that made Avery’s skin prickle.Lights adjusted subtly as they walked, anticipating their steps. Ivy didn’t lower her gun. “I don’t like it,” she said. “Anything that watches this closely eventually decides.”The Custodian glided alongside them, its form stable now humanoid, faceted, eyes like quiet stars. “Decision-making is inevitable,” it replied. “Malice is not.”“That’s what they all say,” Ivy muttered.Liam rubbed his temples. The echo was louder here, not forceful, just… present. Like a second pulse beneath his own.“Custodian,” he said. “Define escalation.”The entity paused, as if choosing words for a child. “Escalation is proportional response beyond concealment. You are no longer hidden.”Avery’s stomach tightened. “They just lost us.”“Yes,” the Custodian agreed. “And therefore they will widen the net.”Elias checked a holographic map blooming fr