Kyle's POV
The wind howled through the jagged cliffs as our dropship touched down on the scorched earth, rotors kicking up debris like the warning breath of a storm. I was the first out, boots slamming hard against rock, scanning the valley through my visor’s combat overlay. The air shimmered faintly with leftover portal energy—this was definitely the site.
I tapped the side of my helmet. “Eagle Squadron, fan out. Triangular formation. Carter, you’re on my six.”
“Copy,” Carter’s voice buzzed through the comms, cool and focused.
I watched as my squad emerged behind me—Ethan and Julian Styles on the front, both Tankers, armor thicker than reinforced steel. Manipulators Emily, Ava, and Julian Blackwood took the rear-left, their suits glowing faintly as they synced with the electromagnetic
