The air outside the fortress felt heavier than the silence within it. The mist hung low, brushing over the dark courtyard where Damien’s men moved like wraiths under the moonlight. The mission was almost over—almost.
The team had made it through, and yes, at last, found Sera. But the echoes of chaos behind them refused to fade.
Every step toward freedom seemed to pull them deeper into another storm.
Lila’s voice crackled in the radio as they moved toward the east wing. “All clear from this side. The escape route to the loading hall is secure. We move now.”
Her tone was strained, breathless, as though every word fought to reach the air. She was running on sheer will, wounds still fresh but her focus unwavering.
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Lea guided Amara closed to her, their movements careful, every beat o
