Wolf Heart

Chapter 64

"Anyone ever told you that you're out of your mind?" the defector asked and unlocked his cuffs. "Tyro's waiting down the other corridor — Seeto does want to see you."

"Is Aaron in position?" Rayan rubbed his wrists.

"Yes. His team is waiting for the signal."

Rayan left the cell and closed the door behind him to turn the captor into the prisoner. Tyro waited for them with his edevic blades on his belt. "I'll pass these to you once we're in the clear," Tyro whispered over his shoulder when he stopped in front of the door which led to the ultimatum. "For now, just put your hands behind your back."

Rayan followed Tyro's instruction while the other defector grabbed his wrists in a show of force.

"I just hope this plan works." Tyro tapped the security panel with his thumb.

"You've got to roll with the punches." Rayan nodded.

Most of the Kalto base cleared out with most of the rooms acting as storage for the cornered First Insurgency.

It was the end of the line, one way or another.

Loyalists to Seeto refused to meet him in the eye when he passed, and took inaction instead of fighting. Others couldn't tear themselves away, and he banked on their hesitation. As they came close to the blast doors, two of Aaron's handpicked team waited for them.

Determination rippled through him, and the two guided them inside the room.

Seeto lifted his head from the sprayed colour of the holographic table where disappointment etched on his face, but nothing hurt more than James' tormented fury. Insurgent's hovered against the walls, with Aaron in the corner to assess the situation.

"I should've known your ties with the Sanctum would lead to this," Seeto said with a frown. "I had high hopes for you, Rayan Falae."

"My ties? You think that's what this is about?" Rayan argued and resisted the urge to unleash his rage. "Seeto, you knew Insurgents were in the hospital, not just Strike Force personnel."

"I mentioned that you don't have the guts to do what it takes." Seeto rounded the table, and Rayan checked on Aaron, who pursed his lips and refused to look at his old friend. "You've proved my point with that little stunt of yours. Now, where is Aelius Matthey?"

"I don't know."

He glared at Seeto when he tugged out an edevic pistol and pointed it at his long broken heart.

"I should've known better." Seeto came closer and aimed at his head. "I should've had you killed a long time ago. You would've become a liability, but you have a way with people, Falae."

If I truly had a way with people... James wouldn't have turned into what he has. Rayan bit on his tongue while the defectors stared at him, ready to jump into the fire for him. If I could change anyone's minds... I wouldn't be here.

Tension cracked in the atmosphere, but Seeto pressed on in his ignorance. "You were just a boy playing at war," he said. "You couldn't cut your losses and refused to make personal sacrifices. You had so much potential for more, Rayan."

"I couldn't make personal sacrifices?" Rayan asked. "Seeto, I gave everything for your cause. Everything. I could've easily just left the moment I had the chance, but I didn't." He clenched his fists, and Tyro loosened his grip. "Every dream I had I tossed to the side. Everyone I loved I threw under the bus — and you have the audacity to say I don't know what it's like to make personal sacrifices? Fuck. You."