Chapter 96: A Starlit Heartbeat
CLICK.
The heavy oak doors of the Rank One Apex Villa locked shut, sealing the eleven members of Strike Team Zero inside.
For three agonizing seconds, absolute silence hung in the grand foyer. Nobody moved. Nobody breathed.
Then, Bram Stonehelm threw his massive arms into the air and let out a deafening, booming roar of pure joy.
"WE DID IT!" Bram bellowed, his voice shaking the crystal chandelier.
The tension instantly shattered, replaced by the explosive, euphoric adrenaline of youth. The squad erupted.
Cole tackled Lucien in a massive bear hug, nearly knocking the elegant noble off his feet.
Reina, usually the picture of icy composure, threw her head back and laughed freely, high-fiving Lyra.
Even Aegon, the disciplined Captain, leaned against the wall, a massive, uncontainable grin splitting his face.
