Alpha Orion
They began to advance in perfect unison, their boots crunching against the sand in a rhythm that matched the thunder of her heart.
Step.
Step.
Step.
Rey's chest burnt as she forced herself backward, her boots sinking into the treacherous black sand.
"Don't move!"
The order cracked through the air like a whip, harsh and absolute. The voice came from the soldier at the rear, muffled but deadly through his mask. He cocked his gun again for emphasis, the sound echoing louder than the waves crashing against the cliffs.
Rey flinched, her hands tightening around Beau's trembling shoulders. His sobs shook against her hip, piercing her heart like glass.