Raven moved through the pre-dawn dark. The shadows didn't touch her. Black tactical gear hugged her frame, shoulder taped tight beneath the fabric. She led the small team single file along the ridgeline above the old Caruso freight route. Dante at her left shoulder, Adrian two steps behind, two elite soldiers bringing up the rear. No one spoke. Breath came controlled and shallow. Boots made almost no sound on the damp earth.
This was her plan. She had traced the route weeks ago from memory and fresh intel. She had picked the exact window when the shipment would slow for the narrow switchback. She had mapped every blind spot, every camera dead zone, every guard rotation. Vincent had listened, nodded once, and given her the lead. Now the Guardians followed her without question.
