The words hang in the freezing air of the underground vault, hitting me harder than any physical blow ever could. My hands loosen their grip on his jacket. I stare down at the face beneath me, the sharp jawline, the dark eyes, the exact same scar running across the left eyebrow. It is like looking straight into a mirror, except for the cold, empty expression carved into his features. "Brother?" I choke out, my voice barely above a whisper. "No. That's impossible. My parents told me I was an only child. They died protecting me alone." The boy beneath me laughs, a bitter sound that lacks any warmth. He doesn't try to push me off. Instead, he looks up at me with eyes full of years of heavy resentment. "Our parents didn

The cold circle of the energy pistol barrel points straight at my chest, and the woman holding it does not blink. The silver lapel pin on her dark trench coat shines under the dim emergency light of the maintenance tunnel, marking her as a senior director of the inner council. Her dark hair is pulled back into a tight bun, and her lips curve into a sharp, dangerous smile that makes my stomach turn. "Drop your weapons," the woman says, her voice smooth and even, carrying the absolute authority of someone who is used to giving orders that everyone must obey. Chinedu steps in front of me instantly, raising his hands slightly to show he is unarmed while keeping his body positioned between the pistol and me. "Director Va

The red laser dots from a dozen rifles dance across my chest, forming a tight circle of death right on the wet asphalt of the alley. Commander Marcus stands at the front of his armored transport vehicles, his silver armor catching the harsh glare of the streetlights. His smile is wide and cruel, showing no doubt that he holds all the cards. Behind him, rows of elite enforcers hold their weapons steady, waiting for the single word that will turn us into dust. "You are out of options, boy," Marcus calls out, taking two slow steps forward. He points the barrel of his heavy pistol right at my face. "Hand over the drive, or your entire family dies in the dirt right now." My fingers curl tightly around the silver data drive inside my jacket pocket. Every second we waste here gives