The Shadow Hunt for Garuda

The jungle pulsed with unseen threats. Bintang’s muscles tensed as the golden-eyed Syndicate soldiers closed in. Lian Zhu stood between them, a picture of poise amid the chaos.

Lian Zhu smirked. “This isn’t a fight you can win, Bintang. But perhaps we can talk.”

Sebastian’s grip on his weapon tightened. “Talk? Since when do snakes negotiate?”

Lian Zhu tilted her head. “Since we realized killing you isn’t as useful as using you.”

David stepped forward, the Dragon Crown faintly pulsing. “What does the Syndicate want with the Temple of the Last Monarch?”

Lian Zhu’s smile didn’t falter. “The same thing you do—control. But unlike you, we understand what’s buried there.”

Clarissa scoffed. “You mean you want to exploit it.”

Lian Zhu spread her hands. “Call it what you will. But let’s be clear—if we don’t get there first, we both lose.”