Alessio’s first instinct was to shoot the detonator clean out of Rook’s hand, but Rook wasn’t that sloppy. He’d already tossed it into the corner, blinking red, counting down like the goddamn end of days.

“Step away from the tanks!” Ivy yelled through the comms, voice sharp with panic. “If they fully activate Noa, they won’t just copy you. They’ll outnumber you.”

Noa stood frozen. My mouth is dry. Breath gone.

Each tank cracked and hissed.

One by one.

Rows of him.

His face. ...