The rusted chain-link fence groaned in protest as Kai forced it open, the freezing Montenegrin rain turning the mud beneath their boots into a treacherous slick. Beyond the fence loomed a massive, corrugated steel structure. It was an old, decommissioned logistics warehouse, a relic from the early days of Raven’s Mandate before the green transition had rendered its fossil-fuel transit routes obsolete.
"Inside," Kai ordered, his voice tight with pain. He kept his pistol raised, sweeping the dark tree line behind them.
Livia didn't hesitate. She squeezed through the gap, her oversized wool sweater completely soaked, her breathing ragged. Kai followed, shoving the fence back into place and leading her to the heavy side door of the warehouse. He bypassed the rusted padlock with a single, pre
