The first Reaper dove with a guttural shriek, wings slicing the wind like knives. Its silhouette flashed across the morning sky—large, leathery, humanoid with elongated limbs and a grotesque jaw distended beyond natural limits. It swooped low over the field, targeting the extraction zone like a predator spotting prey.
Phillip's boots pounded the dirt as he led the charge back toward the Black Hawk landing zone, Anya clutched tightly in one arm, rifle slung and bouncing against his side. Behind him, Shadow One carried Nico over his shoulder like a sack of rice, not slowing even as the child whimpered in fright.
"Contact! Reaper incoming from the west!" Shadow Three shouted, his voice sharp over the local comms net.
"Everyone drop and form staggered defense!" Phillip barked.
