Page 54 of Court of Aether and Shadows

Our walk remained just us, and as we made it to the gear room, our hands slipped away as we headed in different directions. I wanted to look back and make sure he was okay, but I knew I couldn’t baby Liam.

He can protect himself. Let him do his thing and make sure you do yours so we get out of this mission in one piece.

As I checked my sniper rifle, running through the familiar motions of preparation, I forced those thoughts of uncertainty to the back of my mind. Whatever was happening between Liam and me, whatever secrets were waiting to be revealed, they would have to wait.

But they would be confronted — finally.

As we loaded into the transport vehicles, I caught Liam's eye one last time.

The look we shared was heavy with promise and trepidation. We were all wearing our black combat gear, the slick and heavy suit only further fitted on me while the guys looked much bulkier because of its layer blend of protection.

“Let’s get moving unit!”

The doors slammed shut, and we were on our way.

To danger, to possible glory, and to a future that seemed more uncertain with every passing moment. As the transport rumbled through the night, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was hurtling towards a destiny larger and more terrifying than anything I could imagine.

All I could do now was hold on tight and trust that whatever awaited me at the end of this mission, I would have the strength to face it head-on.

Just one more mission and I finally get to know a glimpse of the truth.

Who I am? What I am?

Why everything seems to be crumbling…

And maybe if I have some sort of connection to all the madness unraveling.

Bleeding Veils Of Shattered Realities

~SPARROW~

“In position. Standby.”

The cool night air whipped around me as I lay prone on the rooftop, my sniper rifle a comforting weight against my shoulder. The distant sounds of the city seemed muffled as if the world was holding its breath in anticipation of what was to come.

Despite the tension roaring through the atmosphere, I felt calm during this lull of tranquility. This was when action would be executed and another villain on this grand earth would be rid of.

Free the women captured due to imbalanced sanity.

What I couldn’t figure out, despite the long ride here, was why.

Every action has intention. Every plot has a motive.

What’s the endgame with these women and why would it involve the government?

"Target in sight," I whispered into my intercom, my eye never leaving the scope. "Awaiting final confirmation."

"Copy that, Sparrow," Vincent's voice crackled in my ear. "Stand by for the go-ahead."

My finger rested lightly on the trigger, my breathing slow and steady. This was the calm in the eye of the storm, and the level of precision I executed now would change another course of history.

By this simple pull of the trigger.

Oddly enough, there was a dangerous heaviness to all of this.

That…maybe this was wrong?

Why though?

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