A massive cliff yawned before them, stretching endlessly in both directions. Below, the ocean thrashed against the stone like it wanted to swallow the world. Foam sprayed into the air like ghostly breath, and the wind screamed like a warning.
Leo froze.
Matthew gawked. "Great. So unless we're here for an impromptu cliff-diving competition…"
"We could try—" El started, but her words caught in her throat as shapes emerged from the woods to their right.
Then the left.
Then behind.
Steel gleamed in the sun. Dozens of soldiers closed in, cutting off every escape.
"Shit…" El whispered, eyes scanning. "We're cornered."
"No kidding," Matthew hissed, drawing his blade.
Two figures pushed through the soldiers at their rear. One clad in military black. The other, sharper. Colder.
Hanslo.
"You," said the captain, pointing straight at Leo. "You're the boy."
