Page 24

King

Our sentries detected movement around two in the morning. Over five hundred Federation red stripes were headed our way.

My worry for Marinah intensified to straight-up fear.

Within fifteen minutes, we were on the move, shifting into beast form and putting as much distance as possible between us and the soldiers.

By sunrise, it was clear they were tracking us.

Nokita approached with the latest update. “They’re heavily armed and have three tanks with them. We can win this fight if that’s what you want.”

This meant Marinah and Labyrinth were compromised, and while we could win, the cost would be steep for our Warriors. I also knew many of the Federation soldiers were fighting under duress. Killing them should only be a last resort.

I made my decision.

“Send five groups of five to disrupt their ranks and keep them nervous,” I said. “I’ll lead the rest of our forces closer to Washington. Keep their soldiers busy as long as you can, but don’t kill unless it’s necessary. Our people come first. If you have to take down red stripes, don’t hesitate.”

Four hours later, we were a mile from where I had met up with Marinah.

Close.

Yes, and we’ll find her.

Yesterday, Oscar, the Cuban man who had been living with other humans inside the walled city brought troubling news. He told me heavily armed guards had removed Labyrinth and his men from their quarters.

The moment I learned this, I ordered my men to gather their gear. That preparation allowed us to move quickly when the red stripes were spotted.

Now, with Beast raging inside me to go after Marinah, we hunkered down in the semi-demolished building I’d found before.

Time slowed to a crawl as we waited, tension coiling tighter with every passing second.