The contaminated case ignited before Vespera Morcant could leave the medical vehicle.
White vapor burst beneath the canvas.
The nearest guard inhaled and struck the side of the supply truck with both hands. Another Alpha stumbled backward, clawing at his collar.
“Windward!” Orren Arkwright shouted.
The yard broke into movement.
Sable Wythe dragged a filter mask from the medical case and pressed it into her hand. “Keep this on.”
Vespera fitted it over her mouth and nose.
Rhydian Arkwright climbed onto the supply truck. He cut through the canvas straps with a guard’s knife and kicked the smoking case away from the grain.
It hit the road.
The latch burst.
Glass fragments and silver powder scattered through rainwater.
The first affected guard turned toward Rhydian. His pupils had wi
