Shadow Reckoning

The city was burning.

Sirens wailed in the distance. The Crimson Vultures had gone from lurking in the shadows to owning the streets. Lucian wasn't just starting a war—he was making a statement.

And the worst part?

The Revenant inside Shade was waking up.

He could feel it, pulsing beneath his skin like an infection. The urge to kill, to tear through his enemies without hesitation, was growing stronger. His instincts were sharper. His reflexes were faster.

And the worst part?

He liked it.

Jade sat across from him in the safehouse, cleaning her gun. Her eyes flicked up to his, searching. She hadn't said much since the docks.

But Shade could tell.

She was watching him closely.

Finally, she spoke. "Tell me the truth, Shade."

He exhaled. "About what?"

Jade set her gun down. "Are you still in control?"

Shade hesitated.

And that was enough of an answer.

Jade's jaw clenched. "Shit."

Lauren's voice crackled over the comm. "Shade. We found Lucian."

Shade grabbed his gear. "Where?"

Lauren hesitated.

Then she said the one place he never wanted to go back to.

"Blacksite 17."