The smartphone vibrated across the glossy black floor.
Temmin crawled toward it.
Every movement hurt.
Every breath reminded her of the pain she endured for years.
Finally, she grabbed the device.
Her hands shook violently.
Tears blurred her vision.
Still, she pressed the call button.
"Dad... it's Temmin. Please answer."
The words barely escaped her lips.
For a moment, nothing happened.
Then a familiar voice answered.
General Marcus Carter.
The strongest person she knew.
Temmin struggled to speak.
But the fear in her voice said enough.
Marcus immediately understood something was wrong.
Very wrong.
Years of military experience taught him how to recognize distress.
Within seconds, his tone changed.
Calm.
Focused.
Dangerously serious.
He promised he was coming.
And for the first time in years, Temmin felt hope.