The courtyard had turned into chaos. Gunfire cracked through the night, echoing off the walls. Smoke rolled across the ground from exploded rounds and shattered crates. Soldiers from both sides clashed in brutal hand-to-hand combat, boots scraping against concrete, metal clanging against metal as orders were shouted. At the center of it all stood Michael and Killian. They moved toward each other like magnets pulled by something inevitable. Killian struck first. He closed the distance in a blink, his fist glowing faintly green as it sliced through the air. Michael barely raised his arm in time to block, the impact sent a shockwave through his bones and forced him back three steps, boots digging into the courtyard stones. “You hit harder than you talk.” He muttered, steadying himself. Killian smirked and came again. “I was hoping you’d say that.” Michael ducked under the next swing and drove his shoulder into Killian’s chest. They crashed into a stone pillar, cracking it down th

Celia frowned at Jace, her head still pounding from where she had been hit. “What the hell do you mean tell you what’s going on?” She snapped. “I’m clueless myself.” Jace looked at her carefully, his expression hard despite the exhaustion in his eyes. “How am I supposed to know that? It’s not a coincidence that we’re both here, Celia. What exactly do you know?” She let out a bitter laugh and looked away. “Yeah, like I’d ever tell you anything.” The vehicle rumbled over uneven ground, throwing them slightly against the metal walls. The air inside was stuffy and smelled like fuel and iron. For a few seconds, neither of them spoke. Jace sighed and leaned his head back. “Fine. I’ll go first. Yesterday, a mysterious group traveled through the outskirts of Terra. They killed everyone on watch except one… Adrian was said to be among them. Does any of that ring a bell?” Celia’s eyes shifted, she hesitated before answering. "It's Killian.” She said quietly. “He’s the one who abducted us.”

Barry stared at Michael like he had just announced something insane. “You called Mira…” He said slowly, disbelief clear in his voice. “Tell me I heard that wrong.” Michael didn’t flinch. “You heard it right.” Barry let out a short, humorless laugh. “Have you lost your mind? She’s your enemy as long as the war is still on.” “And Killian isn’t?” Michael shot back. “He took Celia, he took Jace. He’s building something bigger than both our sides. You think this is still about territory?” Barry stepped closer, lowering his voice. “You don’t bring a rival leader into your operation, that’s basic strategy. She’ll study us, she’ll count our men and watch how we move.” Michael’s jaw tightened. “I know exactly what she’ll do.” “And you’re okay with that?” Barry asked. “I don’t have the luxury of pride right now.” Michael replied. “Celia is out there.” Barry paused at that, but he didn’t back down, “You’re thinking emotionally now? After what you said earlier?” “And you’re thinking li

Adrian suddenly tossed his gun aside as if it no longer interested him, he lifted his chin slightly and gestured for Barry to come at him. Barry did not hesitate. Adrian’s eyes began to glimmer green again, faint at first, then brighter. In one sharp motion, he sidestepped Barry’s strike and vanished from his line of sight. A split second later, he appeared behind him. “You’re not bad.” He whispered near Barry’s ear. “But I have to finish this quickly.” Barry stayed calm, even with Adrian’s breath close to his neck. “Monica’s waiting back home for you.” He said evenly. The effect was immediate, the green light in Adrian’s eyes flickered and died. His pupils returned to normal and his body stilled for just a moment. “Monica…” He called softly, as if testing the name. His jaw tightened, “You’re being unfair, Barry. Why are you mentioning her now?” “Didn’t you swear to protect her?” Barry shot back as he turned to face him. “Why are you fighting alongside this Killian guy now? And

Terra. Palace District. The large doors of the giant hallway opened slowly, and Mira stepped inside with Jace walking just behind her. At the far end of the hallway stood Gordon, leaning against the wall, waiting. “Made it in one piece, I see…” He muttered under his breath, “That's a relief.” Mira didn't say a word. She walked past him without slowing down, her eyes looking forward. Gordon sighed and straightened, “Now you’re not talking to me?” She kept walking as if he were not there. Jace paused in front of Gordon instead. Up close, the exhaustion on his face was obvious. Dirt lined his collar, and the sleeve where his mechanical arm used to be hung empty. “What’s that about?” He asked quietly. Gordon looked him over slowly. “You look like you’ve seen hell.” Jace gave a tired half-smile. “You don’t know the half of it. Now why isn’t she talking to you?” Before Gordon could respond, Mira’s voice cut through the hallway from ahead, “Jace. Medical wing, now.” Her tone left