In the shadows of every fortress lies a sanctum where secrets are guarded not by walls, but by the will to protect what should never be seen.
—Katsu Niruku, Anatomy of Power
CHAPTER 31
Kaylie watched the fight unfold from Estia’s perspective from the Shinobi, her heart pounding with every blow Ray exchanged with the simulants. The ship was ready to fly, as far as she could tell, but her mind was elsewhere—torn between the safety of the Shinobi and the promise she had made to Ray. He had asked her to stay behind, to let him handle this alone, but every instinct screamed at her to help.
The moment she saw Estia become overwhelmed by the relentless onslaught of simulants, her resolve shattered. Kaylie knew she couldn’t stay behind—not when Ray’s life was hanging by a thread. She grabbed the pistol, checking it over with trembling hands. Fifteen rounds wouldn’t be enough, but it might be enough to stop Kannon Niruku. She was determined to try.
With a heavy heart, Kaylie took the truncheon from her cabin and left the Shinobi, every step down the corridor echoing her fear. She gripped the weapons tightly, the cold sweat on her palms making it hard to feel secure in her hold. Her mind raced with doubts, but there was no turning back now.