(Author’s POV)
The sky hung low and bruised with the weight of coming rain. The wind cut sharp through the air, stirring dust and secrets in equal measure. In the shadows of rusted cranes and decaying shipping containers, a temporary war room had formed, dimly lit, cold, efficient.
And at the center of it all stood Adrian Ansaldo.
He wore all black, sleeves rolled, gear snug to his form, the glint of steel barely visible beneath the tailored darkness of his vest. A sidearm holstered. Blade strapped to his thigh. His presence radiated purpose and something far deadlier, personal intent.
A large digital map of the compound flickered on the portable screen, live-feed drones providing thermal overlays, red blips marking movement. It was a nest of shadows, heavily guarded, deep underground,
