The knowledge that a traitor existed within their command structure poisoned every interaction and decision. Jacob found himself second-guessing orders, wondering if the information would reach Argo within minutes of being issued. Leo implemented compartmentalization protocols—sharing operational details only with people who absolutely needed to know—but it created inefficiencies that slowed their preparation."We have maybe twelve hours before Argo crosses the border," Jacob told the assembled commanders during what might be their final planning session. "Use that time to prepare positions, stockpile ammunition, and drill your units on defensive protocols."The city was transforming into a fortress. Noble families who had pledged support were opening warehouses filled with supplies that could sustain prolonged conflict. Weapons were distributed to militia units composed of civilians with minimal training but fierce determination to defend their homes. Defensive barricades were erecte

Jacob and Anna reached the command center within minutes, finding chaos as reports flooded in from across the city. The explosions had hit three targets simultaneously—a power substation in the northern district, a communications hub near the docks, and a fuel depot on the eastern edge that was now burning out of control."Argo's embedded soldiers," Leo reported, pointing to the tactical map showing attack locations. "They are activating earlier than expected. Bishop must have accelerated the timeline when he realized we knew about the invasion.""How many?" Jacob demanded."Unclear. At least fifty confirmed contacts across multiple districts. Probably twice that number still unidentified."Jacob studied the map, seeing the pattern emerge. The attacks were not random—they targeted infrastructure that resistance forces would need for coordinated defense. Cut power and communications, and defending units could not communicate or coordinate responses effectively."Send runners to all def

The final hours before dawn passed with agonizing slowness. Jacob and Anna returned to the command center, joining the other leaders who would coordinate the defense. No one spoke much—everything that needed saying had been said during the planning sessions.At 0400 hours, the religious leaders arrived. Priests, imams, rabbis, and spiritual guides from every faith represented in Seron came to offer blessings to fighters who wanted them. Some defenders prayed fervently, seeking divine protection. Others refused, finding comfort in weapons and tactics rather than faith.Carl's Himulan warriors performed traditional ceremonies from their sect, rituals meant to honor those about to die in righteous combat. They spoke words in ancient languages that few still understood, but the meaning transcended translation—acceptance of mortality and commitment to fighting until the last breath.Roseline's criminals held their own ceremonies. Toasts to fallen comrades. Promises to watch each other's ba

Anna materialized in complete darkness, the teleportation spell depositing her in a location she did not recognize. She stumbled, disoriented from the mystical transportation, and fell to her knees on cold concrete. The golden energy that had surrounded her during transit faded, leaving her alone in what appeared to be some kind of underground chamber."Jacob!" she screamed, her voice echoing off unseen walls. "Jacob, bring me back!"No response came except the echo of her own desperate voice. Anna scrambled to her feet, hands outstretched in the darkness trying to find walls or doors. Her fingers found rough concrete on all sides—she was in a sealed room with no obvious exit.Rage replaced shock as Anna understood what Jacob had done. He had used mystical power to forcibly remove her from the battlefield, treating her like some helpless civilian who needed protection rather than the warrior she had become. The betrayal cut deeper than any physical wound."You had no right!" Anna shou

Dawn broke over Seron with the kind of beautiful sunrise that seemed to mock the violence about to unfold. Jacob stood at the command center watching the sky lighten, knowing that within minutes Argo's invasion force would begin its assault.But intelligence intercepted overnight suggested an unexpected opportunity. Bishop's mansion—the estate where he had lived before retreating to his underground facility—appeared to have been abandoned in the chaos. Leo's surveillance showed no security presence, no guards, nothing suggesting the location held any strategic value."Could be a trap," Carl warned when Jacob proposed a quick raid before the invasion began."Probably is a trap," Jacob agreed. "But if there is even a small chance Bishop left something valuable behind, we need to check. Leo, you said the third artifact was supposed to be in his mountain vault?""According to Marcus's testimony, yes. But we never confirmed that location actually exists. The underground facility was Bishop