CHAPTER 1 — THE NAME THAT SHOULD NOT EXIST
The banquet hall remained frozen.
Victoria Sterling’s confident posture began to crack as Colonel Marcus Vance held the pendant like it was made of glass and truth at the same time.
Maya stood motionless, still holding her baby.
She didn’t understand why the entire room suddenly felt colder.
Marcus didn’t look at Victoria anymore.
He looked at Maya.
And whispered something almost no one heard.
“…Impossible.”
Victoria forced a laugh, but it came out sharp and unstable.
“What are you talking about? It’s just garbage—”
Marcus cut her off without raising his voice.
“This insignia was issued to a classified reconnaissance unit… disbanded after a black operation in the northern corridor twenty-four years ago.”
A murmur spread through the guests.
Reporters at the back of the hall lowered their cameras slightly.
Marcus stepped closer to Maya.
“Only one mission survived that operation.”
He paused.
His eyes tightened.
“And only one child was ever recovered.”
Maya’s breath stopped for the first time.
May you like
Victoria’s expression froze.
For the first time tonight… she didn’t look in control.
