The desert station's generator hummed with a rhythm that had become the heartbeat of their desperation.
Axel stood at the window, watching the sun rise over the endless sands. Forty-eight chapters. Forty-eight battles. Forty-eight moments where death had brushed against him and moved on. He was still standing. They were all still standing. But the cost had been immeasurable.
"We need to talk," Vance said, his voice low. "I've been monitoring the Covenant's networks. There's been a development."
Axel turned, his eyes tired. "What is it?"
"The inner circle's leader. He's gone underground. Completely off the grid. No communications, no movements, no traces." Vance paused. "But there's something else. A message. Encrypted, but I was able to break it."
"What does it say?"
Vance's voice wa
