The forest did not forgive hesitation.
By dawn, the temperature had dropped another five degrees. Breath crystallized in the air as Aria stood alone at the ridge overlooking the valley highway below. ECC transport convoys moved in disciplined intervals—unmarked, unannounced, invisible to most civilians.
But not to her.
Zurich was less than twelve hours away.
Behind her, Elias adjusted the portable relay rig salvaged from the avalanche site. Its range was limited. Its encryption layered and brittle. Lazarus occupied only fragments of it—careful not to overextend.
“You’re quiet,” Elias said.
“I’m mapping consequences,” Aria replied.
“For Zurich?”
“For after.”
He didn’t push further.
Kade approached, tightening the strap on her shoulder holster. The bandage had been replaced. The wo
