Ares

The night air felt heavier than usual, pressing against Sterling Tower like a warning. Seven months of relative peace had taught us one thing: the moment we let our guard down, the past would rise to claim its dues.

I stood in the war room, eyes fixed on the monitors, fingers tapping the table impatiently. The intruders from last night weren’t random—they were a probe, a message. Whoever had sent them wanted to test our defenses.

Leon’s voice cut through my thoughts. ...