K stood rooted to the spot, his mind racing through a chaotic maze of tactical choices.
For a split second, he had almost reached for his comms to give the order, ready to pivot his men away from Jayvaughn's group and redirect their entire firepower toward the unexpected threat lurking in the shadows.
His hand had hovered over the receiver, his instincts screaming at him to turn around and crush the unknown assailants before they could cause any more damage.
But he forced his fingers to relax, stopping himself just in time. Shifting their focus mid-engagement would open them up to a brutal crossfire, and he could not afford to lose control of the perimeter.
When the thunderous volley of bullets finally subsided into a eerie stillness, K stepped out from behind his cover.
Pure, unadulterated rage simmered beneath his skin. He scanned the ground, his eyes wide as he took in the fallen bodies of his men scattered across the dirt.
