The moment we crossed the borders of Crimsonville, news of the first attacks reached us. The northern part of town was already under siege. Gareth was stationed there with two battalions, holding the degenerates at bay. So far, they had managed to keep the enemy just outside the borders, but the hybrids’ numbers were multiplying by the minute.

Hadrian refused to let me stray far from him, his vigilance unwavering. I had to reassure him—multiple times—that I had no intention of ...