First Major Confrontation
The forest was alive with tension. Every shadow seemed to move; every sound was amplified in the darkness. Isabelle clutched her stomach instinctively, feeling the baby stir as if sensing the approaching danger.
Sebastian crouched beside her, scanning the tree line. "They're close," he muttered.
Before she could respond, a flash of movement masked figures emerging from the mist and gunfire erupted. The safehouse's temporary security perimeter wasn't designed for a frontal assault.
"Down!" Sebastian shouted, pushing Isabelle behind a large tree. He drew his weapon, calm and precise, taking down two attackers before they could get within ten feet.
Isabelle's heart pounded, but she noticed something she hadn't before the way Sebastian moved, protecting both her and the baby instinctively. Every shot, every step, every command was calculated to keep them alive.
