Grace knew trouble was brewing the moment they crested the final cloud bank approaching the Dominion.
The usually serene floating paradise was buzzing with frantic activity. Angels zipping between platforms, holding their weapons with white-knuckle grips, their voices raised in urgent commands.
"That... doesn't look good," Alia observed from beside Grace.
They landed on the main platform to find organized chaos. Seraphim Guard members herded groups of angels toward defensive positions. Healers ran between checkpoints, divine energy crackling at their fingertips.
"Grace!" Seraph's voice boomed across the platform. The warrior angel landed hard enough to crack marble, red braid whipping behind her. "Thank fuck you're back."
"What happened?"
"Veil raids. Started two days ago." Seraph's jaw clenched. "They're done with recruitment. Now they're just taking people."
Grace's stomach dropped.
"Wait, what? Taking?"
Seraph nodded.
