The Alpine silence was shattered not by a scream, but by the low, rhythmic thrum of the stronghold’s perimeter defense grid. The red icons on Leo’s monitors weren't just moving; they were converging. The Commission hadn't sent a hit squad; they had sent a small air force."Impact in four minutes," a calm, synthesized voice announced through the hidden speakers.

The angst in the room was a jagged, electric current. I stood between the two men—the one who had bought me and the one who had ...