The thunder of helicopter blades crushed the silence.
Wind tore across the ruined yard as the three black military helicopters descended in slow circles above the battlefield. Their searchlights cut through the smoke like blades of white fire, pinning every soldier in the open.
Victor’s men froze.
Weapons still raised.
But now every movement was visible.
Every mistake exposed.
Ren let out a slow breath.
“Well,” he muttered, “that escalated.”
Arka didn’t look up.
His attention remained fixed on Victor.
Still.
Focused.
Unmoving.
Aluna stood slightly behind him, her fingers gripping the back of his coat. Her heart pounded violently in her chest, but something strange had replaced her fear.
Hope.
The helicopters lowered again.
Doors opened.
Snipers leaned out.
Red laser sight
