Page 426 of Broken Oath

Hollowed out by years most people would never understand.

But he was laughing.

That felt important.

“You know,” Wade said, “I spent five years imagining what freedom would be like.”

Cobra waited.

“It never included you.”

“Nobody’s imagination is perfect.”

Grant chuckled from beneath his blanket.

Jackson shook his head.

Sarah finally opened her eyes.

“Why is everyone awake?”

“Science,” Wade answered.

Rook groaned.

“This team is never going to be normal.”

Cobra put the calculator back in his bag.

“Normal is overrated.”

Wade’s smile softened.

“Maybe.”

The cargo aircraft continued through the night.

Around them, survivors slept.

Families stayed close.

Shadow Division guarded the evidence that would expose Project Nightfall.

And for a little while, no one was fighting.

No one was dying.

No one was running.

They were simply going home.

Cobra decided that was worth celebrating.

Even without explosives.

Probably.

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