The message arrived at dawn.
Alex was in the training room, pushing his body to its limits, when Sebastian burst through the door. His face was pale, his eyes wide with something Alex hadn't seen in months.
Fear.
"We have a problem," Sebastian said. "A big one."
Alex stopped mid-strike. "What kind of problem?"
Sebastian handed him a tablet. "This. It's a broadcast. From the Aegis Initiative."
Alex took the tablet. A face appeared on the screen. A woman. Young. Powerful. Her eyes burning with cold fury.
"Citizens of the world," she said. "I am General Victoria Cross. I have assumed command of the Aegis Initiative. And I am here to tell you that the age of the Alphas is over."
Alex felt a chill run down his spine.
"The Alphas are a threat to humanity," Victoria continued. "They are
