Lines Drawn in Blood

The hum of drones filled the air like a swarm of angry hornets, their blue searchlights slicing through the shadows. The Ashen soldiers advanced with calculated precision, weapons raised and ready.

Kaela stood firm, heart pounding but eyes cold and steady. She glanced at Ava and the others — weary but unbroken. This was their moment to fight back, or fall.

"Form ranks!" Kaela commanded, her voice sharp and unwavering.

The rebels scrambled, finding cover behind rubble, cracked walls, anything that could shield them from the overwhelming force descending upon them.

Bullets flew, echoing like thunder through the ruined city. Sparks erupted as lasers sliced through metal and stone.

Kaela dove behind a toppled pillar, breath ragged but mind racing. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small device — the last prototype Ava had managed to salvage. It flickered weakly but held power.

"Time to even the odds," Kaela whispered.

She activated it — and a surge of electric energy pulsed out in a wave, momentarily disabling the drones.

The Ashen soldiers faltered, their coordination breaking as the rebels seized the chance to counterattack.

Kaela leapt forward, her movements fluid and fierce. She faced the Ashen leader, their eyes locking beneath their helmets.

"This ends now," she said, voice steady and deadly.

He responded with a slow, deliberate raise of his weapon.

The battle wasn't just for survival anymore.

It was for the future.