(Dominic’s POV)
I stared at the surveillance logs like they might suddenly confess their secrets. Every timestamp, every access code, every encrypted line of entry flickered in front of me, mocking me with their silence. The war room was empty save for the hum of the old projector and the smell of cold ash from last night’s fire.
Ava’s voice still echoed in my mind—sharp, wounded, furious. She had every right to be angry. But all I could think about was how tired she looked when she turned away. Like this war was hollowing her out piece by piece. Like I was one of the blades carving her.
I ran my hand through my hair and leaned over the table again. Logistics access was limited. Myself. Logan. Ava. Two scouts. And Eli—our junior analyst. I hadn’t questioned him yet. He was young, barely
