Shadows of War

The jungle air was thick with humidity, but Alexander felt nothing except the cold steel of his rifle against his hands. His team moved with precision, cutting through the dense foliage toward Silas Voss's heavily guarded compound.

Silas—the man who had orchestrated so much pain. The mastermind behind Marco's last moves. The one who still posed a threat to Mia and their unborn child.

That was why Alexander would not fail.

As they approached the perimeter, Victor's voice crackled through the earpiece. "All clear on my end. Mia and the estate are secure—for now."

Alexander felt a weight lift from his chest. She was safe.

Now, he could focus on the war ahead.

He signaled to his men. Two of them split off, taking out the security cameras with silenced shots. The guards patrolling the north wall never saw what hit them—silent, efficient kills.

Step by step, they infiltrated the compound.

Inside, Silas was waiting.

Alexander knew it.

And Silas knew Alexander was coming.

Back at the Estate…

Mia sat in the command room, eyes fixed on the monitors displaying the estate's perimeter. Victor stood beside her, monitoring incoming reports.

"Alexander's in," Victor murmured.

Mia exhaled, pressing a hand to her belly. Their child stirred within her, as if sensing the tension.

"Come back to me," she whispered.

The estate had been secured, but she wasn't naïve. This fight wasn't over. Silas had resources. He had power.

And if Alexander failed—

She clenched her fists. No. That wasn't an option.

Mia wasn't just going to wait.

She turned to Victor. "What's the closest extraction point?"

Victor's brow furrowed. "You're not seriously thinking—"

"I need to be ready," Mia interrupted. "In case something goes wrong."

Victor hesitated, then sighed. "I'll get a chopper on standby."

Mia nodded, determination burning in her gaze.

One way or another, this war was ending tonight.

Inside the Compound…

The halls were eerily silent. Alexander's boots barely made a sound as he advanced. His men fanned out, sweeping the area.

Then—

"I've been expecting you, Alexander."

Silas's voice echoed from the speakers.

Alexander's jaw clenched.

"You've made it this far," Silas continued, "but you won't leave alive."

Suddenly—alarms blared.

Steel doors slammed shut.

The walls shifted.

A trap.

Alexander raised his weapon. "Positions! NOW!"

Gunfire erupted.

Enemies emerged from hidden panels, raining bullets upon them. Alexander and his men returned fire, taking cover as chaos unfolded.

He had to get to Silas.

Had to finish this.

For Mia. For their future.

His eyes burned with resolve as he pushed forward, dodging bullets, taking down anyone who stood in his way.