The eastern gate groaned open, and Vex's Greenday fighters poured through like water through a broken dam. Eclipse soldiers scrambled from their barracks, half-dressed, weapons fumbling in their hands. The courtyard became a chaos of gunfire, screams, and the wet sound of bodies hitting the ground.
Julian stood at the gate's threshold, watching.
His instincts prickled. The Eclipse soldiers were disorganized, yes, but they weren't running.
"Emma," Julian said quietly. "Shields up."
Emma didn't question. Flames rose around them in a half-dome.
Fey's eyes scanned the rooftops. "Movement. Three o'clock."
From the shadow of the central spire, figures emerged.
Twelve figures, walking in perfect formation. They wore no armor, only black coats with crimson trim. Their faces were uncovered, each one distinct, each one carrying the weight of countless kills.
The Crimson Reapers.
