The rest of the morning passed with tense planning sessions I wasn’t invited to join.

Kane and his men gathered around maps and laptops, their voices low and urgent as they discussed topics like “extraction points” and “safe corridors.” Every time I tried to get closer, conversations stopped, and meaningful glances were exchanged.

The message was clear: I wasn’t part of the inner circle. I was cargo to be protected, not an ally to be trusted.

The isolation was driving me crazy.

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