Book 3 -24-

[Ambush]

ARIELLA

“Our goal for this mission is simple,” my father stated. He pushed away from the desk and rose to his feet, running his hand over his unshaven face. “Make no mistake, these hunters will stop at nothing to end our species. We cannot give them that chance.”

I averted my gaze, closing my eyes just as a flash of Malik’s face infiltrated my thoughts. My fists clenched at my sides as I willed myself to remain calm. If our first and only interaction told me anything, it was that he wanted me dead. He wouldn’t have the chance.

I shook my head to banish the painful memory. Opening my eyes again, I saw that my father’s gaze was locked on me with unmeasured intensity.

“You understand what is at stake here, don’t you?” my father continued. “If we fail, there is no telling what will happen to our people. We cannot let that happen.”

He paused for a moment, his eyes scanning the gathered group. “I know each of you can complete this mission. I have complete faith in you all.”