Turning the stronghold into a fortress while also trying to maintain some semblance of normal life for Hope was like trying to build a bomb shelter around a playground, and watching my three-and-a-half-year-old practice dimensional healing surrounded by defensive wards and armed guards was a special kind of dystopian I wasn't prepared for.
"The outer perimeter needs reinforcement." Draven's tactical assessment during morning briefing. "We're assuming The Purge will hit us with everything they have left. Three cells means approximately sixty to ninety operatives. All experienced. All motivated. All willing to die to eliminate Hope."
All willing to die to eliminate Hope. Right. Because our three-year-old was their primary target and they'd proven they'd sacrifice themselves to reach her.
"We have defensive advantage." Kael's strategic counter. "They have to breach multiple layers. We just have to hold. Numbers favor them but position favors us."
