The Nightshade Steel Complex rose from the edge of the city like a dead giant.
Rust crawled across its skeletal beams. Broken windows stared out like hollow eyes. Once, it had forged the bones of half the skyline. Now it was nothing but echoes and ghosts — the birthplace of Alistair's empire and the grave he had chosen to stand in.
Kiera watched it from the armored vehicle as they slowed.
Floodlights from federal vans washed over crumbling concrete. Tactical teams spread out in practiced silence, boots crunching softly against gravel.
"He wants theater," Kade said beside her. "That's why he picked this place."
"He built himself here," Kiera replied. "He wants to end it where he began."
Her pulse was steady. Not calm — focused.
A megaphone crackled.
"Alistair Nightshade! You are surrounded. Come out with your hands up!"
Only the wind answered.
Kiera stared at the yawning entrance of the complex. The blinking location pin on her phone hovered right inside the main hall.
