Chapter 29 · The Army Comes Through

"Mark!" Amy's scream hit a second before the portal ripped open.

He spun. Kitchen. Two feet off the floor, a jagged tear bleeding white light, and the sound — canvas splitting under a blade.

"Second one," Daniel said, flat. "Hallway."

Then the living room window tore open and the light made Mark's eyes water.

"Get back!" Amy's hands came up, burn scars already glowing that sick orange.

Mark didn't move. Through the kitchen portal he could see them pouring through — soldiers in black armor, rifles up, visors blank. Dozens. More behind them.

"Daniel, can you—"

"On it." Daniel's light-blade flickered into his hand, pale and sharp.

The first soldier hit the ground running. Mark threw himself sideways and the blast scorched past his shoulder, cratered the wall, left the air tasting like burnt hair.

"They're not here to talk," Amy said.

Mark scrambled behind the table. His burned hand was already screaming — it always did when otherworld energy got close — but this was different. Sharper. Like it was trying to tell him something.

Eight soldiers in the kitchen. Six in the hallway.