The heavy escort screams overhead—low, aggressive, shaking snow loose from the cliffs. Ascendancy soldiers scatter instinctively, fire breaking into chaos.
River shouts, “Golden Team—MOVE!”
They pull back fast, disciplined, carrying the wounded, dragging gear. I don’t look back.
Because my attention is already locked on the enemy.
Aaron slides in beside me. “Are we ready?”
Miles checks his mag. “Born ready.”
Jase grins—grim, dangerous. “They wanted Pierce?”
I nod once.
“They’ve got him.”
The first Ascendancy wave breaks through the smoke.
I step forward.
Deliberate. Visible.
Let them see me.
Let them recognize me.
Gunfire erupts—but this time,we’re the ones advancing.
I drop two men with controlled bursts. Aaron flanks left. Miles takes high ground. Jase disappears into the trees like a ghost.
Lena stays where I put her—hidden, protected, exactly where she belongs.
Roscov’s voice crackles back into comms again, smug.
“You’re alone now, Pierce.”
I smile—slow and lethal—as I reload.
“No,” I say evenly. “I’m unleashed.”
The Delta Five SEALS move as one—silent, brutal, precise.
And for the first time since this nightmare began…
The Ascendancy starts retreating.
I don’t chase.
I hunt.
19
Ronan
Location: Northern Alps — Black Ravine Corridor
0514 Hours
