The early morning air was thick with the smell of rain and engine oil. The sky was gray, casting a pale shadow across the entire estate. Inside the main operations room, the low hum of monitors and the faint buzz of radio static filled the silence. Maps were pinned on the walls, dots of red ink scattered across them like bloodstains.
Damien stood near the window, arms crossed, eyes locked on the horizon. He hadn’t slept much, not that he ever did when a mission was near. His reflection in the glass showed exhaustion written deep into the lines of his face, but behind it all was the same fire that never faded determination.
Amara entered the room quietly, followed by Lila, who looked both tense and ready for what was ahead. She had her tactical suit on, her dark hair tied back in a tight
