Ares

The warning on the nursery screen burned in my mind: “Next time I come… I take something you won’t get back.” Sparrow had crossed a line, testing me, testing the Sterlings, and I wouldn’t let her get away with it.

I stood in the observation deck, staring at the city below, planning our response. Every second mattered. Every decision could mean the difference between controlling the situation and losing everything.

Atlas stepped up beside me, tension radiating off him. ...