The gunshot echoed like thunder through the trees.
Rose flinched, heart seizing in her chest, as the first mercenary crumpled against the rocks. Daniel didn’t wait—he fired again, pivoting smoothly, dragging Rose back into cover as another volley of bullets tore through the underbrush.
Sparks spat from stone. Bark exploded into shards.
“They’ve surrounded us,” Daniel muttered, voice steady despite the chaos. His arm braced against hers, shielding, controlling the battlefield with soldier’s precision.
Rose pressed a shaking hand to her chest. “Daniel, we—”
“Stay low.” His eyes were steel. “No arguments.”
The forest seemed alive with light and sound—shouts, flashes, footsteps weaving closer. Daniel reloaded with sharp, practiced movements.
Then he moved.
He sprang from cover, weapon
