CHAPTER 136

The sky was tinged with the first light of dawn when the aftermath of the battle at the docks became clear. Smoke still curled from the burning warehouse, its dark tendrils rising against the fading night. Emergency crews were swarming the area, their flashing lights casting an eerie glow on the scene of destruction. Clara stood off to the side, exhaustion etched into her features. Her hands trembled slightly as she watched the firefighters struggle to contain the blaze. She couldn't shake the image of Andrew Lane's cold smile, his mocking words echoing in her mind.

Phillip approached her, his face a mask of determination despite the soot and grime that stained his clothes. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice low and steady, but laced with concern.

Clara nodded, though the truth was far from simple. "I’m fine," she said, though her voice wavered. "We were so close, Phillip. He slipped through our fingers again."

Phillip's jaw clenched. "I know. But we learned a lot tonight. We’ve e