The Eyes of the Enemy

Location: Aboard the Enemy Flagship, Open Waters

Damien landed with a roll, rising to his feet as chaos erupted around him. The deck of the enemy ship was alive with sword-wielding mercenaries in jet-black armor, their helmets featureless and cruel.

His presence drew attention immediately.

"There," one of them barked. "It's him—Kane!"

Damien ducked low, dodging a blade and slamming his elbow into the attacker's gut. The man's armor cracked from the force as Damien pivoted into a roundhouse kick that sent another flying into the mast.

"You're not soldiers," he muttered, taking in their movement. "You're assassins."

Three of them rushed him together—too fast for a normal man.

But Damien was far from normal.

His blade flashed out, catching one across the throat, while he spun, caught the second's wrist, and twisted until the bones snapped with a wet crack. He drove his knee into the third's chest, sending him sprawling overboard.

He reached the captain's quarters door, only to find it sealed.

With a grunt, he set an explosive charge from his belt and pressed flat to the deck.

Boom!

The door shattered inward.

Inside, seated calmly at a round table, was a man Damien hadn't seen in years—Kael Morvan. Once an exiled prince, now rumored to be a war broker.

Kael smiled. "You've grown into quite the beast, Kane."

---

Location: Nora's En Route Convoy – Tavara West

Nora rode in an armored vehicle, eyes scanning the live satellite feed. Explosions dotted the coastal view. The enemy fleet had been larger than intelligence had reported.

"Status?" she asked.

"Damien boarded the lead ship," Jalen said. "We lost visual ten minutes ago."

Nora's knuckles turned white. "And Victor?"

"Closing in on his location now. He's expected to rendezvous with General Talin within the hour."

"Good," Nora whispered. "We need everyone in place before the second phase begins."

---

Location: Highland Peaks – The Citadel

Elara stood at the heart of the Citadel's ancient courtyard, surrounded by the aftermath of her battle. Bodies lay sprawled, burned symbols glowing faintly on their skin.

Her breathing was heavy, but her eyes were sharp.

Behind her, the temple doors opened—and a monk stepped out, bowing low. "They're falling back. But… this was only a test."

Elara's expression darkened. "Then the real storm hasn't begun."

She turned toward the hidden vault. Inside was what the invaders truly wanted—an artifact that hadn't been touched in a thousand years.

She activated the final seal and stepped inside.

---

Location: Enemy Flagship – Kael's Cabin

Damien didn't lower his gun. "Give me one reason not to blow your head off."

Kael raised his hands. "Because I didn't start this war. I'm just cashing in on it."

"You armed the rebels. You trained rogue units. You—"

"I didn't bring down the Citadel," Kael interrupted. "And I didn't murder your mother's informants. That wasn't me. But I know who did."

Damien's eyes narrowed.

"Go on," he said coldly.

Kael leaned in. "It wasn't just about your legacy, Kane. It was always about the throne. The original throne. And it's not in Tavara."