Dawn slowly spread across the forest.
The thick canopy above filtered the sunlight into narrow streaks that slipped through the branches and touched the ground in pale gold. The air was cooler than the basement had been, carrying the faint scent of damp soil and leaves.
Drogo pushed the hidden hatch open first.
He climbed out of the bunker, scanning the surrounding trees automatically before stepping aside.
Karen followed a moment later.
She blinked at the sudden light, lifting a hand briefly to shade her eyes as she stepped onto the forest floor. After hours underground, the fresh air felt almost strange.
Tall trees surrounded them in every direction, their roots twisting deep into the earth. The place looked untouched, quiet enough that even the wind moved softly through the branches.
A few feet away, a jeep waited between the trees.
Leaning against the driver's side door was a man in a dark suit.
Karen noticed him immediately.
