“Cease fire and return to the cars! Mission failed!” he declared, and at the same moment, he broke into a sprint toward Angelina.

“Yes, Master!” Ella’s voice came immediately.

“Y... y... yes... Master,” Speaky replied shakily, and Rage knew at once that something had gone terribly wrong with his team.

This would be the first time a mission under his command had gone this badly, and he could already imagine the number of losses lying on the battlefield. He shoved the thought aside and lowered himself into the grass, using it as cover as he crossed the remaining distance to Angelina.

He reached her, pulled her up, and despite being...