Page 274 of Psycho Pack
We reach a fire escape and I boost her up, following close behind. The metal creaks beneath our weight as we climb, but it holds. From this vantage point, I can see the full scope of the battle unfolding below.
Surhiiran troops in their pristine white uniforms clash with Reinmichian forces in the streets. Nikolai's mercenaries move like shadows through the chaos, striking where least expected. The sound of combat is deafening, but we're above most of it now.
A guard appears on the roof ahead of us, but before I can even reach for my weapon, he drops with a neat hole between his eyes.
Valek's work again.
"Remind me to thank him later," Ivy says dryly.
"If you must," I say with a sigh, earning a small laugh that makes my chest tight.
We make our way across the rooftops, staying low and using the ventilation units for cover. The Council chambers loom ahead, an imposing structure of glass and steel that seems to mock the poverty surrounding it.
I spot Whiskey's bulk near the service entrance, his massive frame unmistakable even at this distance. He's setting charges around the reinforced door, moving fast. He knows exactly what he's doing.
My heart drops with relief at the sight of him unharmed and doing his favorite thing that isn't related to Ivy. Or me.
Blowing shit up.
"There," I whisper to Ivy, pointing him out.
She nods, my relief mirrored in her gaze.
We pick up our pace, keeping to the shadows. More guards fall silently as we approach, Valek clearing our path with surgical precision. My lenses help me catch the subtle glint of his scope from a distant tower he's taken over, and I allow myself a small smile.
The snake has his uses.
When we reach Whiskey, he's just finishing with the last charge. "Took you long enough," he says without looking up from his work. "Was starting to think you got lost."
"Some of us prefer not to charge straight through the middle of a war zone," I reply.
He grins up at us, eyes bright. "Where's the fun in that?"
A bullet whizzes past, striking the wall behind us with a spark. We all drop instinctively, but the guard who fired it is already falling, another perfect headshot from Valek.
I watch Whiskey's face light up with that manic grin I've come to both dread and appreciate. He's practically vibrating with excitement as he waves us back behind a ventilation unit.
"Stand back and watch," he yells, sprinting toward our position as if we have anything better to do. "This is my favorite part!"
He dives behind cover just as the first charge detonates.
The explosion rocks the building, sending tremors through the steel beneath our feet. The reinforced door doesn't just blow open, it disintegrates in a spectacular display of fire and shrapnel. The secondary charges go off in quick succession, each blast perfectly timed to create a devastating chain reaction.
I have to admit, it's impressive in a chaotic way.
Shouts of alarm echo from inside as guards pour through the smoke-filled opening. They're well-trained, moving in tactical formation despite their surprise, but we're ready for them.
A guard on the left drops with a bullet through his throat sent straight from Valek above us. I take out two more with my throwing knives as they emerge. Whiskey's massive frame rises beside me, his rifle barking out death in controlled bursts.
Between the three of us, it's over in seconds.
I rush into the building and scan the lobby for any sign of movement before making the call. "Clear!"
"Clear!" Whiskey echoes, rushing Ivy into the safety of the building.
Another shot rings out from Valek's position, followed by the distant thud of a body hitting the ground in the distance.
"Stay close," I whisper to Ivy, looking toward the marble stairs. "There'll be more guards on the upper level."