Gunfire cracked through the night, shattering the fragile relief that had just washed over Emilia. She threw herself over Daniel, her arms curling protectively around his tiny body as the ground erupted with sparks and bullets.
“Stay down!” Alexander roared, shoving a steel crate into place for cover. His body moved effortlessly; every motion seemed like he had practised his moves before.
Emilia pressed Daniel against her chest, her own heartbeat drowning out the chaos. She felt his trembling, his sobs muffled against her shoulder. “It’s okay, baby, Mommy’s here. I’ve got you.” The lie tasted like ash, but she had no choice but to believe it—for his sake.
Masked men scattered, shouting orders. The syndicate’s soldiers returned fire into the shadows, but Emilia realised with a jolt that
