The sky was chaos. Lasers rained down with frightening precision, one bolt grazed the right rear of the vehicle, exploding in a flash of smoke and sparks. The armored jeep shook violently, tires screeching as Julian fought for control.
"I smell enemies," Zoe muttered quietly, her beast eyes narrowing.
Julian glanced at the dark shape floating leisurely above them, the Sky Whale. Its massive eye slowly turned, unblinking, staring directly at their camouflaged vehicle.
"It knows," Julian said. "It's not just guessing anymore. It's trying to erase us."
"We're still moving forward?" Dori asked, voice strained. "If we keep going… what if we can't retreat?"
"I have a plan," Julian answered flatly, just before another blast rocked their side panel.
Fey gritted her teeth. "I… I can't keep [Liquid] active much longer—!"
"Hang on!" Cindy and Rea shouted. "You got this, girl! Just a bit more!"
"Shut up, you two," Fey hissed, her arms trembling from the strain.
