Chapter 47: Shadows In Fight

The hum of the aircraft's engines was a low, steady rhythm, vibrating through the hull. 

Emily leaned against the cold metal wall, her muscles taut despite the fleeting comfort of their escape. 

Damien sat across from her, his eyes fixed on the flickering screens embedded in the walls, monitoring their path.

The cockpit door slid open, and their contact stepped in, their face now partially visible under the dim cabin lights.

 A sharp jawline, piercing green eyes, and a no-nonsense demeanor suggested someone used to command.

"You made it by the skin of your teeth," the contact said, their voice clipped and efficient. "The Council is already mobilizing surface teams. This airspace won't stay safe for long."

Damien nodded. "Do we have clearance for the fallback zone?"

"Temporary," the contact replied. "But it's conditional.

 We need answers, and we need them fast. The Council's escalation indicates something big. What did you find?"