The vehicle jolted violently when another bullet tore through its rear tyre. Adrian felt the steering wheel fight against him. “Hold on!” He screamed. The vehicle swerved hard to the left, then right, spinning uncontrollably as the damaged tyre gave out completely. Gravel and sparks flew as the metal undercarriage scraped against rock. The world became a blur of sky and ground. Then, the cliff edge disappeared beneath them. For one split second, there was silence and weightlessness. Then the vehicle tumbled. Metal crunched, glass shattered, bodies slammed against seats and doors. Anna screamed, Celia’s mother cried out, Richard braced himself over her as the vehicle rolled again. Finally, the impact came. The vehicle crashed hard at the base of the cliff, landing crookedly against a jagged rock formation. Dust and smoke filled the air. Above, Danny and his soldiers rushed to the edge. They stared down into the haze below. “Do you see them?!” One soldier shouted. Danny narrowed

The helicopter descended the rest of the way and landed a short distance from them, its blades whipping up dust and loose gravel into a harsh storm around the vehicles. The wind roared in their ears. The early morning that had once been still was now filled with urgency and noise. Medics jumped out before the aircraft had fully settled, rushing toward Richard with a stretcher and emergency kits. Barry leapt out right behind them, running across the dirt with wide, worried eyes. The moment he saw Richard’s condition, the color drained from his face. They moved fast. Scissors cut through Richard’s blood-soaked uniform, hands pressed gauze against the wounds in his shoulder and stomach, an IV line was inserted. Someone checked his pulse and another tried to stabilize his breathing. “Stay with us.” One of the medics instructed firmly, leaning close to him. Richard’s gaze drifted past them, searching for Monica. She was still kneeling close, clutching his hand as if she could anchor him

Richard was buried that night alongside the other fallen soldiers and civilians just outside the estate. The burial ground stretched across a gentle rise of land bordered by tall trees. Lanterns were placed at intervals along the path, their steady glow cutting through the darkness. The air was cool and heavy with the scent of soil and cut grass. Richard’s grave rested near the center of the newest row. His coffin lay lowered but not yet covered, polished wood catching the lantern light. The engraved nameplate read: Richard Gray People gathered in a semicircle around the grave, no music played, no grand ceremony. Just silence and the weight of loss. Monica stood closest, her hands resting gently over her stomach, her face pale but composed. Her tears had dried, but grief lingered in her eyes like a permanent shadow. Celia stood beside her mother, she wept openly. The truth about her father had finally been told to her earlier that evening. His body had been desecrated and there

Michael’s voice finally broke the silence. “Let’s start simple. Why are you here?” Danny kept his head lowered in silence. Michael tilted his head slightly. “You broke ranks, you crossed into our territory and you surrendered without a fight. That doesn’t sound like someone loyal to Mira.” Danny said nothing. Michael stepped closer. “Talk.” Still nothing. Barry clicked his tongue. “You’re in a room with two men who don’t particularly like you…” He began dryly. “Silence isn’t a strategy.” Danny’s breathing grew heavier, but he didn’t respond. Michael sighed faintly. “Fine.” He drove his fist into Danny’s stomach. The impact was precise, enough to knock the air out without breaking ribs. Danny’s body jerked against the restraints as a strained gasp tore from his throat. “Answer the question.” Michael said calmly. Danny clenched his jaw. Michael punched him again, harder. Blood pooled at the corner of Danny’s mouth. “Why,” Michael repeated, “Are you here?” Danny lifted h

Terra. The palace district was unusually quiet that afternoon, but inside Mira’s private command chamber, the air vibrated with restrained anticipation. A soft chime echoed through the room as a secure message decrypted across the massive digital display mounted along the far wall. Lines of official insignia and formal language scrolled downward in white text. Her request had been approved, her audience granted and the meeting was in two days. Mira read it once, then again. A slow smile curved her lips. She rose gracefully from her seat and stepped toward the screen. The red glow embedded faintly in her irises flickered with satisfaction. “The dog barks, yet the train still runs.” She said lightly. Jace stood near the back of the room. He had been watching her long enough to recognize the subtle signs of genuine excitement. This was one of them. She turned toward him, eyes glinting. “You’re my plus one.” She said. “What color do you think I should wear?” Jace blinked once, cau