Ethan sat in one of the quieter rooms within the mansion, the hum of distant voices filtering through the walls.
He was still, hands resting on a list of names, letting the weight of what he was building sink in. The Iron Vanguards had been given their roles, each heading a group of nearly forty Ascendants, all sworn to protect NovaTech and his family with unyielding loyalty.
A soft knock sounded, and Jessica entered, her presence a grounding force as always. She handed him a few final documents, her lips curling into a small smile as she glanced at the list.
"They're all briefed," she said. "Your team is ready to go whenever you give the word."
Ethan's gaze dropped back to the list of group leaders. He nodded, feeling a rush of appreciation for each of the Iron Vanguards. They had given him their trust, and now he was giving them the authority to lead this force—a force that would watch over everything he cared about.
