The distant rumble of engines cut through the streets like a warning growl.
Headlights pierced the mist first, harsh white beams sweeping across the ruined ground where bodies and broken weapons lay scattered. Then came the vehicles: armored transports, six of them, tires crunching gravel as they formed a loose semicircle fifty meters from the gate.
Doors slammed open in unison. Dozens of boots hit the dirt. More soldiers in the same dark armor, more rifles humming with that sickening pale-blue glow.
Astrid's grip tightened on the blonde woman's collar. The traitor coughed, still dazed from the kick, but her eyes burned with hate.
"Backup's here," the blonde rasped. "You're fucked now, power slut."
Astrid dragged her backward step by step, keeping the woman's body between herself and the advancing line.
"You talk too much for someone who just got her ass handed to her," Astrid muttered.
