Chapter 130
Carter
The compound sprawled below us, all steel and shadows, but I didn’t see walls. I saw weaknesses. Blind corners. Dead zones in the sweep of the lights. Gaps in patrol rotations that River had already clocked.
We didn’t have long. Ten minutes of silence once Gideon jammed their comms, fifteen before the next patrol shift. That wasn’t a window. That was a crack in the armor. And we were about to drive a hammer through it.
“North ridge is our entry,” River murmured, crouched low beside me. “Steep terrain, but less traffic. We can slip through before the next rotation.”
“Copy,” I said, my voice steady, my rifle snug against my shoulder.
Cyclone grinned, checking his rifle one more time. “Been waiting for this.”
Gideon adjusted the straps on his pack, his eyes never leaving the glow of his tablet. “Once I cut their comms, we’re on the clock. No mistakes.”
I nodded, then turned to Harper. She crouched close, her bag slung tight, her eyes locked on the compound. She looked terrified, yeah—but she also looked ready. Steady. Fierce.
My chest tightened, pride and fear tangling like barbed wire. She shouldn’t be here. God knew I wanted to drag her back to the cabin, lock the door, and guard it with my life. But she’d made her choice. And I had to honor it.
I leaned close, my voice low, meant only for her. “Stay with me. No matter what happens, you don’t break away. Understand?”
Her nod was quick, sure. “Together.”
The word hit deep, carving into me like a vow.
I pulled back, checked my rifle, and gave the order. “Move out.”
The team slipped down the ridge, shadows folding into shadows, every step measured, every breath controlled.
Redwood had taken enough from us. Enough from her.
Tonight, I was taking it all back.