Jason’s POV
We waited silently, every muscle taut, eyes scanning the dimming horizon for a sign of Max. The air was thick with anticipation, the scent of damp leaves and distant smoke clinging to our skin. My mind raced, mapping out every possible tactical scenario as I formulated our plan of attack.
“Gather around and listen up!” I called out, voice firm and steady. My men shifted quickly, forming a tight semicircle before me. “We will split into three groups. Jordan, Chris, Leon, Theodore, and Jeremy will take the right flank. Noah, Elijah, Henry, Oliver, and Mateo cover the left. The rest of us, William, Sebastian, Samuel, Leo, and Owen, will push straight down the center.” I made eye contact with each man to ensure they understood the gravity of the mission.
“This mission demands ab
