“What happened?” I ask.
“Multiple infiltration attempts along the northern and eastern edges,” he replies. “They’re not pushing in force yet. They’re testing entry points.”
My jaw tightens. “How many confirmed?”
“Enough to prove it’s coordinated.”
I exhale slowly, scanning the movement around me. Patrol teams are already forming along the roads leading into town. Vehicles are being repositioned to create controlled choke points. Civilians are being redirected toward central safe zones.
This isn’t panic. This is preparation.
“Where’s Magnus?” I ask.
“Town hall. He’s pulling leadership together.”
I don’t wait. I move through the center of Redwood Crossing with purpose, every step fueled by the growing certainty settling in my chest. Damon has arrived. Not just him. All of them. The doors to the town hall are already open when I reach them.
Inside, the room buzzes with controlled urgency. Maps are spread across tables. Radios crackle. Leaders from different parts of the town speak in clipped, efficient bursts of information.
And at the center of it all stands Magnus. He looks up the moment I enter.
“About time.”
I step forward. “Report.”
Magnus doesn’t hesitate. “Scattered rogue sightings along three primary approaches—north ridge, eastern road, and southern tree line. No full assault yet, but they’re pushing closer with each pass.”
“They’re mapping response times,” I say immediately.
Magnus nods once. “That’s our read as well.”
“Damon?” I ask.
A pause.
Then, “Confirmed.”
The word settles heavily in the room. Something cold and focused locks into place inside me.
“Then this isn’t a probe,” I say. “It’s the opening move.”
Magnus studies me, then gives a single, decisive nod.
“Which is why I’m assigning you to lead the primary combat group.”
The room stills slightly at that. Not surprise. Expectation.
I don’t hesitate. “Done.”
Magnus steps closer, lowering his voice just enough to keep the exchange between us.
“You’ll have full authority over defensive positioning outside the central zone,” he says. “Conrad will coordinate internal response and civilian safety.”
I incline my head. “Understood.”
Magnus holds my gaze for a beat longer. “End this before they gain ground.”
“I will.”
