Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 80431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
Valor peeled off his towel and draped it over a wooden hook. He walked barefoot toward a body of water glowing soft blue and knelt low, skimming his palm over the surface. He submerged his sore hands deeper as if the water had healing power.
The lotus blooms floating across the still water were tranquil and inviting.
Zorion smiled as he walked towards the koi tank fogged by the steam still wafting off their bodies.
There were no screens, no tech, just stones, water, wood, and life.
It wasn’t as dramatic as their living quarters at the Ravens facility, but no less perfect.
Valor dropped onto a woven bamboo pad and stretched out, his broad chest rising and falling, his limbs loose.
A low rumble emerged from deep in his chest, not aggressive, not a warning, just a satisfied release.
Zorion watched him curl his hands into the fibers and release a long, drawn-out sigh. He stayed close to where he knelt on the floor at the same time as the soundscapes morphed into winds and distant eagle calls.
The walls darkened, and out of the corner of his eye, he saw a blackened opening to an area with a cave-like entrance labeled Feral Zone.
Valor eyed it as well.
Whatever was in there must be the highest level of Zen that man could make to calm a wild beast.
“Not today.” Zorion stroked his hands along Valor’s shoulders. “Inside of me is where you’ll find your peace. But we’ll know the feral zone is there if we ever need it.”
They didn’t speak anymore, allowing the room created for them to do its work and strip the fight from their minds.
Bit by bit, breath by breath, scent by scent.
Chief Aiken Oakley
Valor
Clad in hunter green with hoods lowered, he and Zorion were led to the bottom level after taking as much time as they needed in their decompression room.
The first thing Valor noticed was Zelmir with his wife and kid sitting on his lap. He said something that made his son giggle and throw his arms around his neck.
The sight made warmth and pride blossom in his chest.
They’d done good. The mission was a success, regardless that they’d lost the White Ravens.
Toward the back of the lower level, Jo stood at a round tactical table between Corvo and Spector.
Corvo was all black edges and storm-dark intensity, a man who matched the energy of the assassins he handled. He stood tall and still, his long dark hair tied back in a tight ponytail, with olive-toned skin that caught the light.
He was every bit as threatening as he was refined.
Behind him stood his Black Ravens, cloaked and unmoving.
Grace and Mirage stood behind Spector.
The Browns’ handler had an air of humbleness to him. He wasn’t as imposing as Corvo, standing at around six feet with a lithe, muscular frame and a clean-shaven face with dark brows that were perpetually raised and made him look as if he were always surprised.
He and Zorion ascended the few stairs of the platform and stood behind Jo.
Beyond multiple glass walls, Jo’s operation bloomed like a phoenix.
Dr. Santana and his team worked diligently on stocking medical supplies and equipment. Ones for treating injuries, not for creating hybrids or mindless killer drones.
Jo raised her hand and the room fell silent.
Her gaze swept over every assassin, handler, and specialist who’d followed her into this new chapter.
“Valor. Zorion. You didn’t just take down the old Ravens facility. You ended something that never should’ve existed. You brought people home and released captives. You destroyed the rot within the organization. Now it’s time to build something better.”
She let that settle.
“Ex, Meridian, Grace, and Mirage, the four of you were never meant to be monsters. You were designed to protect. To strike the places the world couldn’t reach. The mission and purpose of the Ravens got twisted and then contaminated. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t right at its core.”
She lifted her chin.
“I was raised among righteousness, glory, and honor. I am the Panther of the Order of Aga Khan. Trained from childhood to navigate power in silence. I’ve seen what control without conscience becomes. I won’t make that mistake. Not here. Not with you.”
She looked at every Raven in the room.
“There will be no more secrets. No wrongs and senseless deaths disguised as orders. No more withheld truth from handlers. From now on, all staff and departments will have full transparency of missions. Ravens, you will know the target. You’ll know why they’re targeted. And you’ll decide where you stand.”
She paused.
“And starting now, you are no longer required to live here. This facility is secure, but you deserve more. As long as your homes are protected and check-ins are met, you’re free to live your lives…together. No more hiding the love you have for your cherished.”
A ripple of energy moved through the warehouse. Shoulders eased. Expressions shifted.