Chapter Thirteen
CASSIA
Rain hammers against my mask, creating a deafening symphony of tiny impacts that makes it near impossible to hear anything else.
I blink water from my eyelashes, struggling to focus through the narrow slit that reveals a blurred, distorted world beyond.
The storm turns midday into twilight as dark, swollen clouds hang oppressively low.
It’s been three days since Brenner was escorted from training.
Endless sideways glances and whispered comments when I walk past other recruits.
Building anxiety waiting for the Commander to call me in for punishment that never comes.
I mean, I didn’t intentionally break his leg, but I would think our esteemed leader would love nothing more than to kick me for ridding the team of a powerful member.
And now this—standing in the pouring rain alongside every other recruit in our special unit while Kellen gestures to a derelict urban landscape stretched out before us.
“This will test everything you’ve learned so far,” he shouts over the storm’s fury, his voice barely reaching us despite his evident effort.
I squint through the downpour, taking in the training ground.
It’s a mock city—not large by real standards but impressive.
Crumbling concrete structures rise four or five stories high, their windows blown out, walls scarred with simulated battle damage.
Alleyways snake between buildings, some so narrow a person would need to turn sideways to navigate them.
Makeshift bridges—ropes strung across gaps where buildings nearly touch—create unstable pathways above street level.
Wooden planks link some rooftops, while ziplines stretch between others.
The entire setup forms a three-dimensional maze designed to challenge, confuse, and test.
It’s beautiful in its decay. An elaborate monument to urban warfare.
Kellen stands before us, hands clasped behind his back, seemingly unbothered by the rain soaking through his uniform. His posture remains calm; authoritative despite water cascading down his mask and shoulders. No hint of discomfort. No visible reaction to being drenched. The perfect Enforcer.
Good for him, but I won’t pretend to be comfortable. I’d turn right around and sprint to the showers, soaking in their warmth, if it were permitted.
“Decision-making under pressure,” he calls out. “That’s the difference between success and failure in the field. Between living and dying.”
I shift my weight, easing the growing ache in my lower back. We’ve been standing here for twenty minutes already while other Enforcers prepare. My bladder protests, and I silently curse my decision to drink extra water at breakfast. Stupid mistake.
At least the rain could be useful for something—washing away any evidence of me wetting myself and suffering through such embarrassment.
“You’ll be facing multiple scenarios requiring immediate judgment,” Kellen continues, not once adjusting his stance. “When to eliminate a threat versus when to subdue or sacrifice one for the many. When to trust intelligence that might be compromised.”
The rain intensifies, sheets of water now pounding against us with such force I have to widen my legs to maintain balance.
My uniform, designed to repel most weather, has finally surrendered to the onslaught.
Cold water seeps through at my shoulders, crawls down my spine, soaks into my boots until my toes squelch with each subtle shift of weight. Yuck.
I risk a glance over my shoulder, spotting Arayik and Elias standing beneath a hastily constructed shelter along with several senior Enforcers I don’t recognize.
Unlike Kellen, they’ve chosen to stay somewhat dry.
Smart. My gaze lingers on Elias a moment longer than necessary, and I snatch it away before anyone notices.
Since showing me the simulation room, he’s been keeping his distance. I tell myself it’s better this way.
I don’t need a friend here, regardless of how lonely and overwhelmed I am.
“This exercise combines elements from all three training tracks,” our third leader shouts, drawing my attention back. “For once, you won’t be separated into your usual groups. Every recruit will participate together, divided into teams of three.”
That explains why we’re all here—even the recruits I barely know from other training rotations.
Still, it feels premature. We’ve only been at this for what, two weeks?
Most of us can handle the basic simulations, and whatever complex scenario they’ve constructed here is far past that.
The Syndicate seems intent on pushing us faster than I hoped; something about those escapees has them rattled.
“You’ll notice an audience today,” Kellen continues, gesturing toward the shelter where the senior Enforcers stand.
“They aren’t here to observe. They’re here to hunt.
” A ripple of tension passes through the group.
Someone behind me shifts their weight, a boot scraping against wet gravel.
“Each team will enter the simulation zone separately. Your primary objective is to locate and neutralize the Enforcers stationed throughout. Each one wears an orange flag attached to their back. Rip off the flag, and they’re considered eliminated. ”
He pauses, allowing the words to sink in. “Secondary objective: find and secure the object the Enforcers are protecting. Bring it back to me to complete your mission.”
A bright haze of light flashes, briefly illuminating the rain-soaked landscape. Three seconds later, thunder crashes overhead with enough force to rattle my ribcage. The storm is directly above us now.
“Sir,” someone calls out—Calder, I think. “What’s the object we’re looking for?”
Kellen’s head tilts, a subtle motion I’ve learned indicates mild amusement. “Finding it is part of the challenge, recruit.”
Enforcers emerge from the shelter, walking toward our group with purposeful strides, causing my heart to hammer through my breastbone.
They’re not here for you. You haven’t been caught, this is simply training.
The inner encouragement doesn’t help, and my breathing struggles for it.
Each approaching Enforcer carries two weapons—sleek, matte black pistols similar to the ones we’ve trained with in Elias’ simulation room. I recognize the design…non-lethal but capable of delivering a painful shock on impact.
An armed man halts before me, surrendering one of his weapons without a word. The gun is heavy, cold and solid in my palm. I check the safety as we were taught, familiarizing with the weight and balance.
Not my first choice of weapon, but I’ll use it if I must.
“You are permitted to employ whatever force necessary to complete your objectives.” Kellen paces now, gaze snagging on each of us. “Combat is authorized.” My stomach knots.
I’ve improved somewhat in physical readiness, but I’m still nowhere near the level of these senior Enforcers. Most of them have been doing this for years—possibly decades. We’re outnumbered and outmatched.
“First team to volunteer?”
There’s a moment of hesitation before Thane steps from our lineup, followed by Calder and Gage.
All three stand taller than me, their naturally broader shoulders making me feel even more out of place among them.
Thane’s a Clinger who can adhere to any surface he touches.
With Calder’s Thermic power and Gage’s Telepathy, they have a well-balanced team.
Kellen nods. “Excellent. The rest of you, step back.”
The Enforcers with flags scatter, disappearing into the mock city like shadows melting into the night. I count fifteen of them. Fifteen against three. We’re about to have our asses handed to us.
The rain continues its assault, water running in rivulets down the contours of my uniform. I shift, uncomfortable and acutely aware of my bladder’s increasing, urgent signals. This is bad timing—really bad timing as I do not wish to pee on my team’s feet.
I’m going to get a damn infection.
After a few minutes, Kellen signals for Thane’s team to begin. The three of them check their weapons one final time before jogging into the city and disappearing between the buildings.
A holographic display springs to life, hovering above the device in our leader’s hand and somehow remains stable despite the rain. The display shows six different camera angles, each revealing a new part of the city.
The device is placed on a portable stand, positioned for everyone’s view. “Watch carefully,” Kellen instructs, stepping back to join us. “There’s much to learn from observation.”
My feet shift closer, curious despite my discomfort. The cameras switch views when they detect movement, jumping from one location to another as people pass through their fields of vision. There must be hundreds of them scattered throughout the city for this kind of coverage. Impressive.
The first camera shows Thane’s team moving in tight formation, backs to each other as they clear an intersection.
Another camera angle catches a glimpse of an Enforcer ducking into a building, while a third shows a rooftop position where someone has established a sniper’s nest. The fourth, fifth, and sixth angles switch rapidly between various locations, never remaining in one spot for more than a few seconds.
As amazing as it is, there’s a disadvantage in watching this—we have no idea where these cameras are positioned. When my turn comes, this preview won’t help me navigate. If anything, it only adds to my anxiety, showing me just how carefully the Enforcers have positioned themselves.
The simulation progresses fast once contact is made. Thane’s team encounters resistance within minutes, exchanging fire with two Enforcers who ambush them from an alleyway.
Calder takes a hit to the shoulder, his body convulsing as the simulation gun delivers its shock. He drops to one knee but recovers with a groan, returning fire with admirable accuracy.