um of engines. Ethan, Mara, and Orion pressed forward, every step a careful calculation. Th

voice tense, "they're still

every irregularity in the sand. He knew what she meant. Footprints, fain

"I... I don't know if I can keep going," he admitted, voice trem

. "You don't have to fight. You just ha

a glance. "You

st in the distance caught his attention-a convoy moving fast, engines low and

a said, her voice barel

Then we fight smart.

like jagged teeth. The sand shifted beneath their feet. Every step forward was a

. Silent, hovering, scanning the

han muttered, checking the path a

pping her sidear

ng with deadly precision. Bullets kicked up sand and ricocheted off rocks. Ethan pushed Ori

han knew it was a trap-they were being funneled into the

Ethan shouted. "Ma

second was life or death. The sun rose higher, scorching the dese

sniper rifle. Ethan spotted the glint of the scope from atop a rid

Ethan rose, firing at the sniper's location. Dust

up," Mara panted.

d. "Not if we chang

the helicopter crash. Carefully, he placed charges along the canyon wall, rig

careful!" M

eplied. "I don't

ocked the canyon, sending sand, rocks, and men flying. The ambushers screamed, di

t and smoke hung heavy in the air. Ethan collapsed against

oftly, though the fear in

at was just the first wave. There'

e. "How... how can anyone sur

ward. No hesitation. No mercy for fear. And by tr

ing there-a bond forged in fire, blood, and s

e, a distant rumble caught their attention. N

n. The wind picked up, whipping sand into a blin

m down, is it?" Mara asked, v

it slows us... enough to

every step deliberate. Behind them, shadows moved with relentless

black, eyes hidden behind tactical goggles, weapon raised. Ethan fired

e. "We...

upted sharply. "Just ke

the safehouse finally appeared-a small, crumbling structure, par

the door. Mara checked the peri

ispered. "And we still haven't

lan. Because tomorrow... tomorrow we go after the truth. An

. And somewhere in the distance, forces from ever

and Asset Orion had survived

r was just