Naomi’s Pov;

It started like any other mission.

Simple drop, quick in-and-out. That’s what Cassian said.

But nothing was simple anymore, not when we could barely look at each other without feeling the ground shift beneath us.

We drove through the back roads outside the city, a cold wind cutting through the cracked window. Cassian was behind the wheel, eyes fixed on the road. His jaw worked, the muscle ticking every few seconds.

He hadn’t spoken to me since the hallway. Not a word.

Mara was on comms, giving updates from the compound.

“No movement on scanners. You’re clear.”

Cassian’s answer was short.

“Copy that.”

Silence again.

I watched the...