The Final Ultimatum
The transmission came at 5:55 AM. Brayn was in his quarters when his terminal flickered to life. A single line of text appeared on the screen: "You've been fighting the wrong enemy. The Founders were never the real threat. They were just the beginning. I have Danielle. Come alone, or she dies." Brayn's blood ran cold. His heart hammered in his chest. Danielle. They'd taken Danielle. He was on his feet in an instant, his hand reaching for his weapon. "Andrew! I need you to trace this signal! Now!" Andrew's voice crackled back, strained and urgent. "I'm trying. But whoever sent this is using encryption I've never seen before. They're good." Brayn's jaw tightened. "Then I'll go alone. I have to." --- The location was an old warehouse in the Outer Ring. Brayn stood at the entrance, hi
- Writer
