Assault on Vale's Northern Sector
The Northern Sector facility loomed ahead, a fortress of steel and reinforced glass, dimly lit under the shroud of night. Isabelle's hand rested on her stomach as she crouched beside Sebastian in the shadows of the surrounding trees. The rain had slowed to a drizzle, but the air was thick with tension.
"You sure about this?" she whispered, eyes flicking to the compound.
He didn't answer immediately. His jaw was tight, eyes scanning the perimeter. "I can handle this," he said finally. "But you" He stopped, voice low, almost growling. "Stay behind me. One step out of line, and I'll pull you out myself."
"I'm not staying behind," she countered. "If we're doing this, we do it together."
He exhaled sharply, running a hand over his face. "Fine. But you follow my lead, understood?"
She nodded, determination burning in her chest. The baby fluttered lightly, and she swallowed the nervous knot in her throat. I can do this. I have to.
