The third convoy reached the estate gates just as the battle in the courtyard reached its most chaotic moment.
From the security monitors, the scene looked almost unreal.
Gunfire flashed across the garden paths.
Smoke drifted over the shattered fountain near the driveway.
The first wave of Circle soldiers had been pushed back toward their armored vehicles, while Gale's reinforcements held defensive positions along the estate walls.
But the arrival of the new convoy shifted everything.
Vanessa leaned closer to the monitor, watching the six heavy trucks slow near the broken gates.
"These are different," she said quietly.
Marco stood beside her with his rifle resting against his shoulder.
"You said that earlier."
Vanessa nodded.
"Yes."
Marco frowned.
"And?"
Vanessa pointed toward the vehicles.
"They're armored transport units."
Marco blinked.
"For what?"
Vanessa didn't answer immediately.
Instead, she watched as the truck doors opened.
Soldiers stepped out.
