Naomi’s POV

Nights before missions are never quiet, even when they look that way. The halls were dim, the lights on low power, the air-conditioning humming softly. But inside me? Nothing was quiet.

Every sound felt louder.

Every thought sharper.

Every breath heavier.

I walked back to my room after the planning session, but sleep wasn’t even a possibility. My body was restless, my mind too full. I changed into a loose T-shirt and sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the wall like it might give me answers.

It didn’t.

All I kept seeing were the girls in that container. And Cassian’s face when he saw them....