The wind had settled.
This part of Dominion City no longer echoed with the violence of battle, but with something far heavier. Smoke drifted slowly across the fractured skyline, rising from buildings that had once symbolized progress and pride. Now they stood broken, hollowed out by war and loss.
Harper remained kneeling beside Melinda's body.
She had not moved for several minutes.
The weight of failure pressed down on her shoulders like a physical force, heavier than any strike Kael had delivered. Her hands trembled slightly as they rested on her thighs, her head bowed. Esta stood a short distance away, silent and composed, though even she could not mask the grief that lingered in her eyes.
"We were right there," Harper whispered hoarsely, barely audible. "We were right there…"
Esta did not respond immediately. There was nothing useful to say. No strategy to suggest. No power to activate that could reverse what had happened.
A soft vibration broke the silence.
