Athena

The forest was eerily silent, save for the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant cry of a nightbird. The adrenaline from the previous night’s reconnaissance still coursed through my veins, keeping me alert despite the fatigue that threatened to pull me under. Every sense was heightened; every shadow could hide danger, and I could feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on me like never before.

Beauty and I moved ahead of the strike team, scouting for any sign of ...