pte

gainst the damp wall, catching his breath. His flashlight flickered, casting jagged shadows that seemed to

hunted by mutants and Dominion agents," K

astes energy. And energy is a l

e ache from their earlier sprint. "So, what's the p

a said, her tone dry. She pointed ahead. "The exit's

it was surgical. They didn't waste resources on insignificant targets, which m

e silence. Kieran's thoughts churned as he replayed the events of the past few hours. The

through his thoughts

d not to be, considering we'r

sharply. "Your l

e tunnel widening into a larger chamber. The faint sound of footsteps reac

a voice commanded, c

am of light swept across the chamber, revealing a group of Dominion operatives in black t

e them," the leader ba

racing. He glanced at Elira, who stood pe

el, "we don't want any trouble. Let us walk away

"You're in no position to ne

me wasn't surprising, but the weight in the operative

apon slightly. "You're important to them," he said, h

ingling with irritation. "What

ou're part of something bigger, whether you realize i

an echoed, his mind

eran. Elira moved faster than his eyes could follow, her hand strikin

s er

sarming one operative and incapacitating another with brutal efficiency. Kieran drew his pistol,

ed, her voice cutti

ar end of the chamber, Elira close behind him. The remaining

renade from his backpack. He yanked the pin and tossed i

hem for long," Eli

Kieran replied. "Just

's skyline stretching before them. Kieran took a deep breath,

gaze sharp and calculating. "They'll b

n was beginning to weigh on him

them to an abandoned warehouse, its windows shattered and its walls covered in graff

ession pensive. "That operative knew something about

ubbling to the surface. "He was trying t

rdened. "No. He

. "Even if you're right, what am I supposed to do about it? I can't fight the Domin

nto his. "You don't have a choice. They won't st

his voice rising. "What could I p

through her stoic facade. "I don't know," she admitted. "But I do kn

nt a shiver down his spine. "Great.

touch surprisingly gentle. "You've surviv

engines reached their ears. Elira's hand dropped

us," she said

on his pistol. "Then w

ous glint in her eyes.

le over him. He didn't know what the Dominion wanted, or why Elira had chosen to