Shadow Reckoning

The warehouse was abandoned, tucked away in a forgotten corner of the city. Lauren was already there, standing near the entrance, her face pale under the dim streetlight.

Shade and Jade approached.

Lauren didn't waste time. "You need to see this."

She pushed open the door.

Inside, the stench of blood and death was overwhelming.

Bodies.

Dozens of them.

Hanging from the ceiling like butchered meat. Carved with symbols—a crimson Vulture burned into their flesh.

Shade's pulse pounded.

Jade swallowed hard. "Jesus."

Lauren crossed her arms. "The Crimson Vultures didn't just survive. They evolved."

Shade moved closer to one of the bodies. The carving was fresh.

Recent.

Lauren continued. "We found this place two hours ago. No witnesses. No security footage. Just this."

Shade scanned the scene. The Vultures weren't just back.

They were hunting.

Jade exhaled. "What the hell are they doing?"

Lauren hesitated. Then she held up a phone. "We found this on one of the bodies."

She pressed play.

A distorted voice crackled through the speaker.

"The Reckoning begins."

Shade's blood ran cold.

Lauren met his eyes. "Whoever's running the Vultures now—they're making a move. And they're not just killing their enemies."

Jade frowned. "Then what are they doing?"

Lauren's voice was grim.

"They're sending a message."