Grand Marshal Kaelen’s holographic projection dissolved back into the grey cloud cover, but his ultimatum hung over the high terrace like a heavy blade.
Across the valley, the ominous hum of forty Capital Dreadnoughts reverberated through the freezing air. Their massive kinetic barriers shimmered continuously overhead, locking into an impenetrable dome that swallowed the natural sunlight and plunged Blackwood into an artificial, metallic twilight.
"They aren't bluffing, Gideon," I said softly, my knuckles turning white as I gripped the terrace stone. "Kaelen doesn't make emotional threats. If the timer hits zero, he will drop those atmospheric charges over the capital plains."
Gideon stepped beside me, his broad shoulder pressing against mine as his shadow aura coiled tightly around his
