I rolled downslope, fired twice to drive them into cover, then triggered the final charge.
The ground jumped.
Rock cascaded, sealing the narrow path behind them.
Dust swallowed everything.
When it cleared, they were trapped—hemmed between a broken cliff and a fresh collapse.
For now.
I crouched in the smoke, heart steadying. The air stank of ozone and blood.
I keyed my comm. “Rygnar to Veklan. Collapse complete. Raiders contained. Some may attempt the south trail.”
Static crackled. “Understood. Scouts are moving. Return before the next front reaches you.”
“Copy.”
I didn’t move immediately.
Smoke thinned, revealing wreckage below—twisted metal, bodies, and flame.
Humans killing humans.
The war had ended.
Peace had not learned how to live here.
I turned away before the thought could take root.
By the time I reached the outer tunnels, dusk had begun to settle over the basin. Colony lights glimmered below—warm, alive.
The sight eased something in me.
Then replaced it with something heavier.
If they’d tracked the signal this far, they would try again.
Another route.
Another way in.
The lower valley. The trade tunnels. The vents.
Lina.
I quickened my pace.
At the perimeter gate, I exchanged a few clipped words with the sentries, then headed straight for the medical wing. Marastood inside, directing volunteers as they prepared emergency kits.
“She’s with you?” I asked.
Mara shook her head. “She went to the upper terraces. Helping move supplies. Said she’d be back before sunset.”
“She won’t.”
The words came automatically—and then I stopped.
