Chapter 1: The Weight of the Badge
The general’s hand trembled—not from age, but from a rage that could shatter glass. General Marcus Vance had led men into active warzones, faced down terrifying enemies, and made impossible choices. Yet nothing in his military career had prepared him for the sight of his own daughter, bruised and terrified in her own home.
He didn’t yell. In the army, loudest wasn't strongest. Quiet meant dangerous. He looked at Ethan, who was scrambling on the marble floor trying to wipe up spilt coffee with shaking hands.
""Step away from the glass, son,"" Marcus said. His voice was dangerously soft, carrying the absolute weight of command.
Ethan swallowed hard, his eyes darting frantically to the tactical guards standing by the doorway. ""General, please... you don't understand. She's been confused lately. The pregnancy... the hormones... she fell.""
""I said, step away,"" Marcus repeated, taking one slow, deliberate step forward.
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Claire clutched her swollen stomach, tears cutting clean trails through the dust on her cheeks. ""The cloud drive, Dad,"" she whispered, her voice barely audible. ""Folder named Truth. Check the tablet in the nursery.""
Ethan’s face went completely ghost white.
