Ava's estate, once a serene refuge, now resembled a fortress. Tall walls, reinforced gates, and armed guards patrolling every inch spoke volumes about the battles they'd endured. Inside, the air was thick with tension and anticipation.
Ava stood in the command center, staring at a detailed map spread out before her. Red markers indicated enemy positions, blue ones their own defenses. Her fingers traced the lines, her mind racing with strategies.
"We can't keep playing defense," Liam said, breaking the silence. He leaned over the table, his eyes locked onto Ava's. "It's time we take the fight to them."
Ava's jaw tightened. "I know. But we need to be smart about it. We can't afford any more losses."
"That's why we need to hit them where it hurts," Liam insisted. "Cut off the head of the snake."
Ava nodded slowly, her resolve hardening. "We'll need more intel. We can't go in blind."
