The engines arrived before the vehicles.
A low thrum that vibrated in the fillings of Lena's teeth. It wasn't the electric hum of the estate's grid. It was combustion. Heavy. Dirty. Military grade.
Lena stood in the lavender bed. Her boots sank into the soil. She didn't move when the black SUVs breached the gate. They didn't slow down. They crushed the gravel driveway, spraying stones against the siding of the house.
Four vehicles. They fanned out. Circular formation. Trapping the house.
Doors opened. Boots hit the ground. Black armor. Visors down. Rifles raised. Not aimed at her. Not yet. But ready.
The lead vehicle's door opened last. Admiral Kaelen stepped out. He wore a uniform of dark grey wool. No insignia. No medals. Just the weight of authority.
He didn't look at the guards.
