The soft glow of dawn broke over the camp as Logan sat sharpening his spear, his mind filled with unease. The forest, alive with its usual chorus of rustling leaves and birdsong, couldn't mask the growing tension in his chest. Aura had been unusually quiet since agreeing to the mission to infiltrate Ashcroft's forces. Every time he looked at her, a sinking feeling told him this might be the last time they'd share such fleeting peace.
"Logan!" A voice called, breaking through his thoughts.
It was one of the Vanguard scouts, sprinting toward him. In his hands, he clutched a small communication device, a rare relic in this fractured world.
"There's a message for you," the scout said, panting.
Logan frowned as he took the device. He hadn't used it since joining the Vanguard, and only one person had access to this frequency.
"Liam," Logan muttered under his breath, pressing the button.
