Reynold stared intently at the entrance of Hollowgate, his arms stiff at his sides and his jaw set. Every second stretched unbearably as soldiers shuffled into formation, rifles ready, eyes fixed on the cracked doors. The Chief of Staff, tall and commanding with a permanent sneer etched across his face, gave the signal.
"Time's up. Let's go!" the Chief barked.
The order rolled through the ranks like a drumbeat. Boots shifted, rifles raised, and the first line of men stepped forward.
But just as they did, a voice broke through the tension, sharp and commanding.
"We surrender!"
The shout echoed against the old concrete. Cassius stepped forward out of the shadows, hands raised high. Behind him came Sophia, her tablet clutched tightly; Dr. Farah with her satchel; and Brent, pale and hollow-eyed, but still walking with his fists clenched.
Reynold's breath caught, his fists curling until his knuckles blanched white. He wanted to move, to shout, but his body refused.
