Chapter 13: Fractured Alliances

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The revelation of Project Dawn hung over Selene like a shadow, its weight pressing down on her with every step she took. The command center buzzed with activity, but she felt detached, as if she were watching the world through a fog. The truth about her origins had shaken her to her core, and she wasn’t sure how to process it. She had always believed her abilities were a gift, something innate, something that made her who she was. But now… now she wasn’t so sure.

Daniel had stayed with her for hours, trying to help her make sense of the dossier. The Consortium’s experiments were more extensive than anyone had imagined. Project Dawn wasn’t just about creating individuals with extraordinary abilities—it was about control. The Consortium had been trying to engineer a new kind of soldier, one who could be manipulated, who could be turned into a weapon. And Selene was one of their creations.

She tried to push the thoughts aside as she entered the war room, where the rest of the team was already gathered. Livia was at her console, her fingers flying over the controls as she pulled up data on the Consortium’s movements. Kieran was leaning over the holotable, his eyes narrowed as he studied the map. Elara stood nearby, her arms crossed, her expression unreadable.

“We’ve got a problem,” Livia said as soon as Selene walked in. She didn’t look up from her screen, but her voice was tense. “The Consortium’s launched a counteroffensive in the eastern territories. They’ve retaken two of our outposts, and they’re pushing toward the third.”

Selene’s stomach dropped. The eastern territories were crucial—they were a key supply route for the resistance, and losing them would be a devastating blow. “What’s the status of our forces there?” she asked, forcing herself to focus.

“We’re holding for now,” Kieran said, his voice tight. “But they’re outnumbered. If we don’t send reinforcements soon, they’re not going to last.”

Selene nodded, her mind racing. “We need to mobilize our reserves,” she said. “Livia, coordinate with the eastern commanders. Tell them to hold their positions as long as they can. Kieran, I want you to lead a team to reinforce them. Take whatever resources you need.”

Kieran straightened, his eyes gleaming with determination. “Consider it done,” he said, already turning to leave.

“Wait,” Elara said, her voice cutting through the room like a blade. Everyone turned to look at her. “We’re making a mistake.”

Selene frowned. “What do you mean?”

Elara stepped forward, her gaze sweeping over the group. “The Consortium’s attack in the east is a distraction,” she said. “They want us to focus our resources there so we’ll be vulnerable elsewhere. If we send our reserves to the eastern territories, we’ll be leaving Sanctum exposed.”

A tense silence fell over the room. Selene’s mind raced as she considered Elara’s words. It made sense—the Consortium was known for its strategic cunning. But if they didn’t reinforce the eastern territories, they risked losing a critical stronghold.

“We can’t afford to lose the east,” Daniel said, breaking the silence. “But Elara’s right—we can’t leave Sanctum undefended.”

Selene took a deep breath, her mind working through the possibilities. “We’ll split our forces,” she said finally. “Kieran, take half the reserves to the east. The rest will stay here to defend Sanctum. It’s not ideal, but it’s the best we can do.”

Kieran nodded, his expression grim. “Understood,” he said, before turning and striding out of the room.

As the others returned to their tasks, Selene felt a knot of unease tighten in her chest. The Consortium was playing a dangerous game, and she wasn’t sure they were prepared for it. The fractures in their alliances were beginning to show, and she knew that one wrong move could bring everything crashing down.

Submitted: February 20, 2025

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