Dual pov: Sera/Damien
DAMIEN—
The second wave of men moved with a confidence that made my blood run cold. They knew the layout of this place better than I did.
That told me everything. This coastline wasn't just some abandoned memory or a dusty symbol, it was active territory. It was old, sure, and scarred by time, but Silas kept it active.
I fired first, dropping one of them before he could even finish leveling his rifle. The recoil punched into my shoulder, aggravating an old injury from the ambush I’d been trying to ignore for days. The pain was sharp and hot, but I leaned into it. Pain was good. Pain kept me from drifting.
Another shot cracked through the air, way too close.
Sand exploded next to Sera’s feet.
“Down!” I barked. I didn't dare look back.
She didn't move.
That t
