The first crack in the shadow network appeared three days into our multi-pronged campaign, and it came from an unexpected source.
I was reviewing intelligence reports in my study when Jorin burst through the door, his face flushed with excitement and terror in equal measure.
"Alpha, you need to see this," he said, clutching a communication crystal that pulsed with urgent amber light. "It's from my sister."
I looked up sharply. "Your sister? The one we relocated for her safety?"
"She's been working as a servant in the Eastmarch territory. Low-profile position, nothing that should have attracted attention. But she overheard something..." He activated the crystal, and Mira's voice filled the room with barely controlled panic.
"Jorin, if you're receiving this, then something terrible is a
