Chapter 26: The River Stone

The river stone was a heavy, cooling weight in my breast pocket, resting just behind the ceramic plate of my body armor. In the chaos of the Kunar, it was the only thing that felt solid.

The air in the bay was different now. The cruelty had been replaced by a heavy, awkward solemnity. Thorne kept his distance, his face fixed in a permanent scowl of shame, while Stitch followed me around like a shadow, constantly offering to carry my extra batteries or share his MRE crackers.

"Rucksack's heavy today, Ghost," Stitch whispered as we lined up for the pre-mission inspection. "You sure you don't want me to take the spare long-wire?"

"I've got it, Stitch. Focus on your sector," I said, but I gave him a small, tired smile. It was the first time I’d smiled since the letter.

Captain James emerged from the TOC, his shadow stretching long across the gravel. He looked at the unit, his eyes pausing on me for a fraction of a second longer than the rest. He didn't look at my face; he looked at the pocket where the stone was hidden.

"Listen up," James barked. "Intelligence confirmed the HVT—code name 'The Architect'—is moving through the high passes near the border. This is a mountain chase. We move light, we move fast, and we don't stop until we have him. Viper, check the watches."

"0300, Sir," Viper responded, his voice a low gravelly rumble.

"Move out."