The night had turned into a tense, suffocating stillness. Rowan and Roselyn, flanked by Julian and Lucian's operatives, moved through the dense forest that bordered the abandoned industrial complex Rambo had chosen as his staging ground.
Every step was calculated. Every sound was amplified in Roselyn's mind. Her gift buzzed beneath her skin like wildfire.
"Something's off," she whispered, eyes darting to the shadows. "I can feel it… this isn't just a hideout. He's expecting us."
Rowan's hand tightened around hers. "Good. That means we're on the right path. Stay close. Watch my back, and I'll watch yours."
Julian spoke through the comms, voice low and steady. "Rambo's forces are waiting inside. Heavy firepower. Automated defenses. I suspect he's rigged explosives throughout the complex. Do not engage recklessly."
Lucian's gravelly voice added, "This is a calculated trap. He's desperate, and desperate men are dangerous. Everyone stay sharp. No heroics unless necessary."
The team advanced, every shadow threatening, every flicker of light suspicious. Then—
A sudden explosion rocked the far side of the complex. Flames erupted, sending a plume of smoke into the night sky. Rambo's signature cruel laugh followed, echoing across the empty industrial buildings.
Rowan pulled Roselyn down behind cover. "He's baiting us. He wants to split the team!"
Roselyn's gift flared violently, pulling her attention to the northern perimeter. "He's not just here… he's everywhere. Traps. Motion sensors. Automated guns. He's turned the whole place into a death maze."
Rowan exhaled sharply. "Then we move smart. Stick to the shadows. I'll take point. You—stay in the middle, protected."
They advanced cautiously, the team communicating through hand signals. Every step brought them closer to the heart of the complex—and closer to Rambo.
Suddenly, a shadow darted across the main corridor. A figure lunged with a combat knife aimed at Rowan.
Rowan reacted instantly, catching the attacker's wrist and flipping him over with brutal precision. Roselyn's pulse spiked—her gift screamed as more movements approached, faster and sharper than humanly possible.
"Rowan! Multiple!" she shouted.
Julian's operatives emerged from hidden vents, subduing attackers with expert efficiency. Lucian's team reinforced the flanks, neutralizing automated turrets with precise shots.
Rowan gritted his teeth. "He's herding us… directing everything like a chess master. I need eyes on him. Lianna—" He paused, realizing, "Roselyn—get ready. You might have to act fast."
Her eyes widened, fear mingling with adrenaline. "I—what do you want me to do?"
"Your gift. Track him. Sense his presence. He can't hide from you the way he hid from us before. We need him now, and you're the key."
Roselyn nodded, teeth gritted, closing her eyes. Her senses flared—the faint scent of sweat and blood, the hum of electronics, the unnatural stillness of human movement.
There. Behind the metal crates.
Rambo stepped out, pistol in hand, smirk twisting his features. "So predictable," he sneered. "You always fall right into my trap. And here you are, my precious little experiment… surrounded and cornered."
Rowan stepped forward, hand on his holster. "Not this time, Rambo."
Rambo laughed, cold and cruel. "You think you can stop me? This is bigger than you, bigger than your little army. I control the chaos—you only react to it."
Julian's voice came through the comms, sharp as steel. "Focus on the perimeter. Do not let him escape. Lock him down."
Lucian added, "We've cut his retreat. Rowan, corner him."
Rowan's eyes never left Roselyn. "Stay behind me," he said. But she shook her head, fists clenched.
"I'm not staying behind. Not again."
For the first time, Rowan hesitated—then nodded, respect and fear mingling in his gaze.
The final confrontation was about to begin. Rambo was waiting, and this time, there would be no shadows to hide in.
Every step, every movement, every heartbeat led to one inevitable truth: the nightmare ends tonight—or they all pay the price.