the ambush.
None of it was random.
Rage builds slow and violent inside my chest.
They hunted her.
The realization nearly snaps something in me.
Outside, another explosion rocks the river district.
The militia commander turns sharply toward the noise.
One of his fighters rushes toward him speaking rapid Arabic.
Panicked.
The commander’s expression darkens instantly.
“They crossed the bridge already?”
The operator hears that too.
So do I.
And suddenly I understand.
There’s another group coming.
Not militia.
Not this strike team.
Something worse.
The operator immediately looks toward Hannah.
“We’re out of time.”
“No,” I say coldly. “You’re leaving without her.”
The operator’s expression never changes.
“If she stays here, she dies.”
I step forward.
“And if she goes with you?”
A pause.
Too long of one.
That’s all the answer I need.
Hannah’s fingers suddenly wrap around my wrist.
Small touch.
