Chapter 144: The Island of Shadows

The helicopter soared through the darkening sky, the island looming in the distance like a phantom. Alyssa sat at the edge, scanning the horizon with narrowed eyes. Eleanor double-checked her equipment, her hands moving with calm precision, though Alyssa could sense the tension beneath.

Marcus's voice crackled over the comms. "You're almost there. Be advised, the island's heavily fortified. We're picking up advanced defense systems anti-aircraft, electronic countermeasures, the works."

Alyssa exchanged a glance with Eleanor. "Any chance of taking them out remotely?"

"We're already working on it," Marcus replied. "But their systems are decentralized, meaning even if we disable one area, others might stay active."

Eleanor spoke up. "So we're going in blind?"

Marcus sighed. "Pretty much. You'll need to move fast and expect heavy resistance."

As the island drew closer, the water below reflected the pale moonlight, giving everything an eerie, silver hue. The cliffs rose steeply from the ocean, dotted with watchtowers and bristling with weapons. Beyond them, deep in the forested interior, lay the heart of The Shroud's operations.

The helicopter hovered briefly as Alyssa and Eleanor prepared to drop. "Let's make this quick," Alyssa said, her voice steady. "In and out before they know what hit them."

With a final nod to each other, they rappelled down into the dense forest below, landing silently in the shadows. The hum of the helicopter faded, leaving them with only the sound of the wind rustling through the trees.

Eleanor scanned their surroundings. "We're about two clicks from the facility. We'll need to move quietly."

Alyssa adjusted her rifle. "Let's go."