The war room was silent except for the soft hum of monitors and the occasional click of keys. Outside, the city seemed calm, a deceptive blanket over the chaos we knew Lorenzo would bring.

Leon’s voice broke the quiet. “Sir… satellite imagery confirms multiple vehicles approaching Sterling Tower. Highly armored, coordinated. All moving at tactical pace.”

I clenched my fists, jaw tight. “Lorenzo’s here. He’s testing us personally.”

Atlas leaned over the console, eyes ...