Chapter 30: Dawn of Reckoning

The safehouse was a derelict warehouse on the capital’s forgotten edge — one large open floor with rusted beams and a few partitioned offices that offered zero real privacy. Aria sat on a crate, Emma’s head resting on her shoulder, while Rogue paced the perimeter with the three remaining loyal brothers. The air was thick with suspicion. Someone among them was feeding information to the Architect. Every glance carried weight. Every shadow felt like a knife. “We hit the courthouse steps at first light,” Rogue said, voice low and lethal. “I draw the senator’s security. Aria and Emma stay with Grit and Vance in the service tunnels underneath. We extract any leverage they’re holding and end this.” Grit shifted uncomfortably. Vance — the newest addition — kept his eyes on the floor. Emma squee