pte

on vehicles closed in. Kieran crouched by the shattered window of the warehouse, his pulse racing as he spotted a co

oice low but calm. She stood beside him,

with frustration. He adjusted his grip on the pistol in his h

im light. "You're outmatched and underarmed. If you plan

" Kieran snapped. "Don'

int, knowing smile. "Let's se

orne," a deep, authoritative voice boomed. "This is Commander Rylan of the Domi

e with Elira. "Guarantee

p. They want you alive-for

aid. He turned toward the rear of the warehouse, mot

ebris scattering as Dominion operatives stormed inside. Their tactical gear gleamed under the harsh

ra toward the back of the building. "Go

closing in behind them. Kieran's mind raced, searching for a way to turn the tide in their favor.

ng to a catwalk that led to a

st as he could, his muscles protesting with every movement. E

bullets ricocheting off the metal railings. Kieran ducked instincti

r expression sharp. "They won

eran shot back. "You're

mportant than you realize. Whether you believe it

echoed from below. "Stop running, B

ge of menace. He peered over the edge of the catwalk and spotted a figure stepping forward from the

der his breath. "What kind of

grave. "He knows somet

ull of something greater? You think you're just a rogue agent, a thorn in the Dominion's

t he shook his head, refusing to let the w

houghts. "But the truth is written in blood and shadow. You're not just

grip firm. "He's trying to

boiling over. "What does he even mea

e don't move now, we won't li

ing to a dangerous rumble. "You've seen it, haven't you? The visions. The dreams. You th

eeting images of fire and shadow that haunted him in the dead of night. He had

his voice cracking. "You do

visor. "I know more than you think. You can't run from wha

ieran turned just in time to see a small, sleek machine rising

shouted, shovi

tal walkway. Kieran stumbled, nearly losing his footing,

earing the way for their escape. Elira climbed through first, her movements swift an

teel bathed in the glow of streetlights. The sound of sirens and

said, pointing t

words. Prophecy? Visions? None of it made sense, and y

ice cutting through his thought

o the next. The night air stung his lungs, but he pushed forward, deter

ct, Elira slowed, her expression tense

said, his voice

ning from the truth. Whatever this prophecy is, it's tied to you. And i

"I don't believe in prophecies. I don't believe in destiny.

s remained serious. "You don't have to beli

ns snapped them back to reality. Elira nodded toward the s

lan's words echoed in his mind. The visions