The helicopter cut through the dawn sky, its rotors a steady thrum against the cold morning air. Below, the wasteland blurred into a tapestry of brown and gray—craters, ruins, and the occasional cluster of skeletal trees. The eastern mountains grew larger with each passing minute, their jagged peaks clawing at the clouds like the fingers of buried giants.
Julian sat in the cabin, Eclipse Breaker across his knees, his dark blue eyes fixed on the horizon. His team surrounded him—Zoe in her beast form, black fur bristling; Fey with her liquid glowing, Dori with her pistol holstered and her hands steady; Specter motionless, her violet eyes scanning for threats.
Nox sat across from him, his pale eyes half-closed, his body relaxed despite the tension in the air.
"Five minutes," the pilot called back.
Julian nodded.
He stood.
