The Battle to Come

The early morning light filtered through the windows of the mansion's library as the group gathered once more, the remnants of their sleepless night visible on their faces. The energy in the room was tense but resolute—this was the calm before the storm.

Kiana spread a detailed map across the central table, her fingers tracing several marked locations. "We need somewhere secluded, with natural barriers. A place where we can control the environment and minimize any risk to civilians."

Gregory leaned over the table, his sharp eyes scanning the options. "What about the old quarry outside the city? It's been abandoned for years, and the terrain is uneven. It would give us the advantage."

Sicily nodded, her gaze flickering to Kiana for confirmation. "It's defensible. And the rocky cliffs would make it harder for him to escape."