"They're locking missiles!" Elise shouted, yanking the helicopter into a steep dive between two massive ice formations.
Atlas's energy shield flared brighter as the pursuing aircraft launched their first volley. Two missiles streaked through the Arctic air, their vapor trails cutting white lines across the gray sky.
"Brace yourselves!" Atlas thrust both hands outward, golden light erupting in a massive pulse that intercepted the missiles mid-flight. The explosion rocked their helicopter, but his shield held.
Sarah clutched her safety harness, knuckles white. "Can you keep that up?"
"Not indefinitely," Atlas admitted through gritted teeth. Sweat beaded on his forehead despite the freezing temperature. "The shield drains me faster than anything else."
"There!" Hannah pointed toward a na
