The safe house command room buzzed with activity. Monitors lined the walls, displaying satellite feeds, CCTV footage, and encrypted communications. Maps with blinking markers traced the last known movements of Rambo's men.
Roselyn stood near the corner, flanked by Rowan, Julian, and Lucian. She was no longer the frightened girl who had survived on a ship; now, she was part of a team planning to take down the man who had stolen years from her life.
Julian's voice cut through the room, commanding attention.
"We have confirmation—Rambo has regrouped. He's not hiding anymore. He's testing our reach, sending scouts and informants to probe our defenses."
Lucian added, pointing to a tactical map, "This is where our family networks intersect with Rowan's unit. Our operatives are already monitoring these coordinates. Any movement from Rambo's men will be detected."
Rowan stepped forward, analyzing the feeds. His eyes scanned the patterns, noting anomalies. "He's probing for weakness. He wants to lure us out, create a distraction. Standard tactic for someone desperate and dangerous. We cannot underestimate him. If he discovers Roselyn's location…" His voice faltered slightly, the weight of responsibility clear.
Roselyn's hand tightened on her notebook, the one she had carried since she was a trainee doctor. "I can help. My… abilities—they're different now. I can sense when someone is nearby, even before they appear. I can help detect him before he reaches us."
Julian glanced at her, pride and worry mixing in his gaze. "You've grown stronger than I imagined. But remember—this isn't just about sensing. It's about strategy. You will not face him alone."
Lucian nodded. "Rowan will stay with you. Our operatives will provide coverage. You are not alone."
The team worked through the night, assigning roles: surveillance, field response, extraction points, and emergency protocols. Rowan and Roselyn moved to a secure corner of the room, reviewing maps together.
Her voice broke the tension. "I don't want to run anymore. I want to face him."
Rowan looked at her sharply. "Roselyn, this isn't a game. This is life and death. One wrong move—he could…"
"He already tried to take my life once," she interrupted, voice firm. "I survived. I'm not hiding anymore."
Rowan exhaled, a mixture of admiration and frustration. "You're fearless… or maybe reckless. Either way, I'll keep you safe."
Julian entered the room quietly, drawing the attention of both Rowan and Roselyn. "We've identified several of his known hideouts and supply lines. If we act carefully, we can intercept him before he makes another move."
Lucian stepped forward, his hands clasped behind his back. "And we will. Every move he makes, we will be ready. The advantage is ours if we stay disciplined. No mistakes."
Roselyn felt the weight of their combined experience and training settle over her. Fear still lingered, but now it was paired with determination.
Rowan leaned close, whispering just for her. "We survive this together. Every step. Every fight. You're not alone."
Her eyes met his, and for the first time, she didn't feel vulnerable—she felt like a part of something greater: a team, a family, a force ready to strike back.
The monitors flickered suddenly. A live feed showed a black SUV moving quickly near a coastal road—Rambo's scouts, confirming their suspicions.
Julian's hand clenched into a fist. "There he is. This is our chance to hit first. Rowan, prepare your team. Lucian, notify the operatives. Roselyn, stay close."
Rowan turned toward her, eyes locking. "Ready?"
She nodded, fists tight at her sides. "Let's end this."
Outside, the storm had calmed, but the air was electric.The hunt had begun.
And Rambo had no idea what was waiting for him.