To record.
I look down at the soldier again. “You’re going to walk back to them.”
The soldier blinks. “W-what?”
“You’re going to tell them exactly what you saw here.” My voice hardens. “And then you’re going to tell them what happens when they don’t leave.”
His hands shake violently. “I—I didn’t see anything—”
I drop to one knee, locking eyes with him.
“You sawme.”
His face drains of all color.
“Go,” I say.
He runs.
Crashing through brush, screaming warnings, terror carrying faster than bullets ever could.
Jase’s voice comes through, awed.“Jesus, Ronan…”
I turn back to my team.
“They won’t push again,” I say. “Not today.”
Miles swallows. “Because of that guy?”
“No,” I answer.
I glance toward the treeline where Roscov is hiding.
“Because Roscov now knows I’m not here to rescue.”
Aaron’s jaw tightens. “Then what are you here to do?”
I look back toward Lena’s position—safe, hidden, alive.
Then I chamber a round.
“I’m here to end this.”
Behind us, the mountain stays silent.
Ahead of us, the Ascendancy withdraws.
And somewhere deep in the forest, fear finally finds its voice.
Not screaming.
Whispering my name.
20
Ronan
Location: Northern Alps — Black Ravine Corridor
