The Obsidian Vault's command center was a graveyard of shattered monitors and fallen operatives.
Axel stood in the center of the room, his chest heaving, his weapon still smoking. The firefight had been brutal, but they had won. Elias Vance was on his knees, his hands bound, his eyes filled with a cold fury that made Axel's blood run cold.
"It's over," Axel said, his voice flat. "The True Origin is finished."
Elias laughed, a harsh and bitter sound. "You think this is over? You've barely scratched the surface. The True Origin is bigger than me. It's bigger than all of us. Even if you kill me, others will rise to take my place."
"Then we'll keep fighting," Axel said. "We'll never stop."
Elias's eyes met his. "I know you won't. That's what makes you dangerous."
Axel raised his weapon.
