The forest was wrapped in pale mist when we set out at dawn, our boots pressing quietly into the damp earth. It was so quiet that a single whisper could be heard from miles. Every rustle of leaves, every distant call of a bird seemed louder than it should be, as if nature itself held its breath while we passed.We were heading for the supposed hideout of the double agent, the traitor who had slipped through headquarters’ grasp and humiliated us all. At least, that’s what Halstrom claimed. I wasn’t sure whether to believe him or not, but there was no turning back now.Howard walked at the front, broad-shouldered and balanced, every step calculated and precise. His calm presence rippled through the group, but beneath that calm, I noticed the cracks.The rookie, who was barely older than me, kept glancing around like shadows might swallow him whole. His breathing was too loud, his grip on the rifle too tight. Every time a branch snapped under his foot, I saw Howard’s jaw twitch, though h
Last Updated : 2025-08-31 Read more