Page 68 of Monstrosity

Weapons are cleaned and loaded, bikes fueled and checked, communication systems tested.

The atmosphere in the clubhouse is electric—that particular combination of tension and anticipation that comes before battle.

I find myself checking on Dasha and the girls throughout the day, needing the small moments of normalcy.

We have lunch together, I help with homework, and even have to break up a fight over crayons.

Regular dad stuff while preparing for war.

"Why is everyone so serious?" Florencia asks during dinner.

The main room is quieter than usual, conversations muted.

"Just grown-up stuff," Dasha tells her. "Nothing for you to worry about."

"Is it about the bad men? The ones who hurt Dasha?"

Too smart for her own good, this one.

"Yes," I answer honestly. "But after tonight, they won't be able to hurt anyone again."

She nods solemnly. "Good. I don't like people who hurt our family."

"Neither do I, baby. Neither do I."

The final briefing is at six, brothers packed into the room where we havekirkja.

Runes runs through everything one more time while I study the faces around me.

These men will bleed for each other tonight. some might die.

But we all know the stakes.

"Questions?" Runes asks when he's done.

"What are the rules for this run?" Bodul asks.

He's trying to look tough, but I can see the nerves coursing through him.

"Anyone at that dock who isn't us or Irish is an enemy," Runes answers. "Put them down hard and fast. This isn't a negotiation—it's an extermination."

"Except Bembe," Tor adds. "He comes back alive, as promised."

"Barely alive counts," someone mutters, getting dark chuckles.

"Remember," Runes says, standing. "We're not just fighting for territory or money. We're fighting for our families. The menwe face tonight wanted to murder our women and children. Show them what that costs."

"One more thing," Runes says, his voice cutting through the rumble of agreement. "Rio, front and center."

I freeze.

This isn't normal, or at least I don’t think it is.

I move to the front of the room, aware of every eye on me.

"You've been prospecting for this club for many years," Runes begins. "Years of loyalty, of sacrifice, of proving yourself worthy of our colors."

My heart starts pounding.