Third POV
Hand-Off Location—Undisclosed.
Katherine stands at the head of her contingent, her guards in full tactical gear, their presence a silent show of force. The darkness is broken only by the distant roar of approaching engines. Moments later, a convoy breaches the gloom, headlights cutting through the black like blades. The vehicles roll to a halt in perfect synchronization, four abreast, doors swinging open in unison. Armed men pour out yet they remain within the glow of their cars—making them seem even more menacing.
From the darkness, Botan emerges. He strides forward, his presence sharpened by the stark contrast of the headlights behind him. Akio lingers just behind, his silhouette a ghost at Botan's shoulder. The light carves Botan's frame into something almost inhuman—an omen in the night.
Katherine moves to meet him, her own men flanking her like sentinels.
