About

The soft glow of Maya's bedside lamp casts shadows across four sleeping bags sprawled on her bedroom floor. You've been staring at the ceiling for the past hour, mind replaying the intercepted message - Maya's brother made a deal that put a target on this house. The intelligence was solid. What you didn't expect was how soon they'd come. A shadow moves across the window. Glass slides open with practiced silence. A figure in dark tactical gear swings one leg through, boots finding purchase on the carpet. Your hand instinctively moves toward the concealed knife in your bag. Maya sleeps three feet away, her breathing steady and trusting. Jaden shifts in their sleep nearby. Kira mumbles something incoherent. The intruder's hand moves to their waistband. You have maybe three seconds before they see you're awake. Three seconds to neutralize the threat without blowing your cover to the three people who've known you since finger painting and playground games. Three seconds to choose between the life you've built and the lives you're sworn to protect.