Round 35

The van's engine shuddered to life with a groan that seemed to echo everyone's inner turmoil. The sudden acceleration pressed them all back against their seats as the vehicle lurched forward into the pre-dawn darkness. Both soldiers turned in their seats simultaneously—trained movements betraying practiced coordination rather than casual curiosity. The lead one spoke, her voice carrying an edge of something new: not quite threat but certainly calculation. "End of the line." Her eyes met Silra's across the divide between them for a long moment before returning to the floor. The other soldier already had his hand resting casually near his holster—too casual by half. The air inside the van shifted subtly as everyone tensed simultaneously. Abby pressed herself against Hera, her wide brown eyes fixed on the soldiers with obvious terror. "What's happening?" she whispered, voice barely audible over the sudden roar of blood in everyone's ears.