“Marshal, they’re calling it a victory parade,” Doug said, glancing at the bustling streets of Evendore through the window. “But it feels… premature.” Elijah leaned against the edge of the table, his sharp eyes focused on the reports spread before him. “They need hope, Doug. Let them have it, even if we know better.” Sophia walked into the room, her face pale but determined. “And what about us? Do we get to celebrate, or is it straight back to the war room?” Elijah looked up, his expression softening. “You should be resting.” She shook her head. “I’ve rested enough. What did you find in the wreckage?” Doug straightened, his tone respectful. “Fragments of encrypted files, ma’am. Looks like The Arbiter was working on something bigger than we thought. Sleeper cells, scattered across Evendore.” Elijah frowned, picking up one of the recovered data drives. “It never ends, does it?” Sophia moved closer, her steps slow. “What do we know about these cells?” “Not much,” Doug adm

“Elijah, I’ve got something,” Sophia said, her voice crackling through the comm. Elijah straightened, glancing up from the schematics spread across the table in front of him. “What did you find?” “The files I decrypted… they mention someone called ‘The Warden.’ Whoever they are, they’ve taken over what’s left of The Arbiter’s network—and they’re not stopping there.” Doug, standing nearby, frowned. “The Warden? Sounds like someone who runs a prison, sir.” Elijah nodded. “Maybe that’s the point. Someone who’s locking down power, consolidating control. Did you find anything else, Sophia?” “Yeah,” she said hesitantly. “It’s worse than we thought. The Warden’s using both The Arbiter’s resources and what’s left of the Quinns’. They’re targeting me specifically.”Elijah’s jaw tightened. “Because of your genetic anomaly?” “That, and probably because I’m not backing down,” Sophia replied. Her voice held a mix of determination and frustration. Doug leaned closer. “Marshal, if they

“You don’t have to keep hovering, Elijah,” Sophia said, her voice thin as she leaned back in the chair. Elijah crouched in front of her, his eyes scanning her face. The pallor in her skin and the sheen of sweat on her forehead told him all he needed to know. “You collapsed, Sophia. That’s not something I can ignore.” Sophia waved a weak hand. “I’m fine. Just tired.” “No, you’re not,” Elijah said firmly. He straightened, crossing his arms. “And I won’t let you downplay this again.” Sophia sighed, rubbing her temples. “There’s too much to do. I can’t sit around when The Warden is still out there.”Doug entered the room, his expression concerned but controlled. “Sir, I brought the equipment you requested.” “Good. Set it up here,” Elijah said, motioning to the table. Doug quickly unpacked a portable diagnostic kit, arranging the tools with precision. “Is Miss Sophia okay, sir?” “She will be,” Elijah said, though his voice carried a hint of doubt. “I’m right here,” Sophia m

“Elijah, are you sure this will work?” Sophia’s voice was barely above a whisper, her pale face betraying her exhaustion. Elijah knelt by her bedside, holding her hand gently. “I am, Sophia. It’s risky, but it’s our best shot. I promise I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you’re safe.” She gave him a faint smile, though her eyes glistened with worry. “I trust you. I always have.” Elijah squeezed her hand and stood, turning to Doug, who stood by the doorway. “Doug, I need the lab secured. No interruptions, no distractions.” Doug nodded firmly. “Understood, Marshal. I’ll make sure no one comes near until you’re done.” Elijah headed to the adjoining lab, where the equipment hummed with activity. The vial he had retrieved from the hidden lab rested in a secure compartment. He worked meticulously, analyzing its contents and preparing the serum. His hands moved with precision, but his mind was racing. Every moment counted. The anomaly in Sophia’s system was escalating, a

“The Warden is live,” Sophia said, her voice tense as she pointed to the central screen.   Elijah stepped closer, his expression unreadable as the broadcast began. The Warden’s masked face filled the display, their voice steady and calculated.   “Citizens of Evendore,” the Warden began. “Your leaders have failed you. They cling to their power, exploiting the very foundations upon which this city was built. I will tear down their lies and rebuild Evendore into something just, something true.”   Sophia’s hands clenched into fists. “They’re manipulating everyone. They want chaos, not justice.”Doug, standing to the sid