Chapter 25

At that moment Kai jolted awake, his senses snapping into focus as a faint shuffling sound reached his ears. It was subtle, barely noticeable—boots against gravel, the quiet creak of pressure on the floorboards outside. His instincts kicked in immediately. Something was wrong.

Immediately He swung his legs off the bed, his body tense as his eyes flicked to the door.

"Who's there?"

Before he could take another step, the door exploded inward with a deafening crash, splintered wood scattering across the room.

The sharp bang echoed in his skull, and for a split second, Kai froze.

Then came the smoke.

That moment thick canisters clattered to the floor, hissing as plumes of gray erupted, filling the room like a choking wave. His vision blurred as the smoke curled through the air, stinging his throat and eyes.

At that moment Kai's mind raced. Without being told he would tell it wasn't a break-in. This is an execution.