The transport sliced through low morning clouds like a blade, silent and fast. The only sound inside was the occasional click of gear checks and the low hum of suppressed tension.
Kael stood near the hatch, breathing slow and deep. The plan repeated in his head like a mantra. Luna gave him a nod as she locked her spear into her back holster. Across from them, James spun one of his revolvers with a smirk too casual for what they were walking into.
"Two minutes to drop," Edith's voice came through their comms—calm and clinical.
"Convoy is 600 meters from the intercept point. No aerial escort. Five guards per truck, possibly more inside. Kaas is confirmed in the lead vehicle."
From his perch on the open side hatch, the boy twin adjusted his goggles. "We'll be there before you blink."
The girl twin gave a peace sign, and they both dove off the edge of the transport—falling like shadows toward the cliffs above the winding road.
The Ambush
The mountain road was narrow, carved into the cliffs with sharp drops to one side. Three matte-black trucks rumbled forward, armored and unmarked.
From the ridge above, the Resonance Twins watched in silence.
"Engage on mark," Edith ordered.
"Three... two... one—go."
A blur of blue and silver fell from the sky. Luna landed in front of the middle truck, her spear slammed into the ground. A wave of water burst outward in a spiraling wall, forcing the driver to swerve—and stop.
The rear truck hit a spike strip moments later—planted by James, who emerged from behind a boulder with guns drawn and ready.
Kael dropped next. Fire rippled around his fists as he sprinted for the middle vehicle. Two guards jumped out—stumbling through steam—and Kael moved like a flame given shape.
A quick arc of fire cut through the first one's weapon. He ducked under the second's swing, slammed a palm into his chest, and sent a controlled burst of heat that knocked him out cold.
The convoy exploded into chaos.
Lead Truck: Kaas's Reaction
In the first truck, Dr. Revik Kaas watched the ambush unfold through a cracked side window. Balding, thin, his eyes gleamed with feverish excitement.
He tapped a small device on his wrist. A low hum echoed through the truck—followed by a faint glow from the crates behind him.
"They found me," he whispered, smiling. "Let's see if they can keep me."
Rear Truck: James
James ducked under a blade, firing three rapid shots into a guard's kneecap. Another one tried to charge—but James spun, slid across the dirt, and fired both revolvers simultaneously. Time slowed. The bullets traced perfect arcs. Two hits. Two down.
"Still boring," he muttered.
Middle Truck: Kael and Luna
Luna covered Kael's back as he ripped the rear door open.
Inside—three more guards. One lunged, but Kael met him with a heated uppercut that scorched his vest. Another pulled a shock baton, only for Luna to sweep his legs and pin him to the floor with a water-forged spearhead.
Kael looked at the third man—frozen, terrified.
He stepped back.
"I'm not here to kill you," Kael said, eyes burning. "But I will."
The guard dropped his weapon.
Edith's voice returned over comms. "Middle and rear secured. Resonance?"
"Lead truck's veering," said the girl twin. "He's trying to break away."
"Pursue. Kaas is not allowed to escape."
Cliff Chase
The lead truck accelerated, tires screeching. The Resonance Twins leapt between boulders and brush, closing in.
Inside, Kaas muttered to himself and activated another device.
"He's powering something," said the boy twin. "Energy signature's spiking."
"Interception protocol," Edith ordered. "Kael. Luna. Move!"