Chapter 15 · The Traitor at East Gate

"East gate's compromised." Mira's voice crackles through the comm unit clipped to Nora's vest. "Two of ours just went dark. No confirmation, no pulse."

Nora doesn't stop moving. She's already halfway across the courtyard, boots pounding stone, med kit bouncing against her hip. Kael's three steps ahead, sword already drawn.

"How many hostiles?" His voice cuts through the wind.

"Unknown. Could be a sweep team. Could be worse."

Worse. Nora's lungs burn. Worse means they know. Worse means someone told them where to look.

The east gate looms ahead, iron and scorched wood. The two guards who should be standing watch aren't there. Blood trails down the left post, still wet.

Kael stops so fast Nora nearly slams into his back. His hand shoots out, catches her shoulder, shoves her against the wall. His body blocks hers, one arm braced beside her head.

"Stay." His eyes flick to the gate. "I go first."

"Like hell." Nora shoves his arm. Doesn't budge. "If it's a trap, you walk in alone and you're dead."

"If it's a trap, you walk in with me and we're both dead."

"Then we die together. Move."

His jaw ticks.