number seven. It was the anniversary of my father's funeral, a day that always

ertainty that settled in my bones as I washed the breakfast dishes. My hands

uniform crisp, his face etched with the same stern kindness I remembered from my years of service. H

hick with unspoken words. He didn't

he program needs you. They're asking for the

e hands had once expertly piloted a hypersonic aircraft, they had saved lives. Now, t

"That person is who you are, not what you do. This life you

aid I might never walk again, let alone fly. Mark, a rising star in the political liaison's office, had been there. He offered stability, a family, a normal life. In return, my family's influence, my fathe

in, his face bright with excitement. He was fo

e!" Leo shouted, holding up a br

as he ruffled Leo's hair. "Julia was just saying how Leo'

room. He didn't even acknowledge him. My stomach twisted. I had given Mark everything-my na

ra, you don't mind, do you? The boys have so m

g his leg. "Dad, can we

at me, his eyes cold. "Elara, make some snacks f

t up my neck. I was a decorated officer, a hero by the nation's standards, being told to fetch sn

Leo's eager one, then to Julia's triumphant smirk. The General watched

e quiet certainty I'd felt this morning was now a solid block of ice in my chest. I wasn't just going to leave. I was g