Ares

The warning alarms blared at exactly 3:14 a.m.

Leon’s voice cracked through the intercom, breathless and sharp.

“Sir—Vanguard forces are moving. This is it. They’re making their final strike.”

My pulse didn’t spike.

My breathing didn’t change.

I’d been waiting for this moment.

I stood from the control table, eyes locked on the screens as red dots appeared like drops of blood around Sterling Tower.

Atlas rushed in behind me, pulling on a tactical vest. ...