Riley's POV
The cold night air bit at my exposed skin, but the chill that ran through me wasn't from the weather. It was the thrill of the hunt, the sharp edge of danger that always accompanied a mission like this. Karl’s voice, low and gravelly, cut through the quiet, giving his final instructions.
“Hardin, Dr. Walker, Zoey, the rest of you – stay back,” he commanded, his gaze sweeping over the assembled group. “Do not engage. Do not reveal yourselves unless I give the order. Your role is support, a fallback. Understand?”
A chorus of murmured agreements followed. I watched Hardin nod, his face a mask of grim determination. Dr. Walker adjusted his spectacles, his medical kit clanking softly. Zoey, usually so vibrant, was subdued, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and admiration. It was a
