Page 77 of Green Ravens

“Death’s messenger. The Alpha. He is the darkness in the abyss, the whisper before a man’s final breath, a force that ends wars before they begin.”

Virginia’s smile was eerie. “He’s God’s avenging angel.”

Jo rolled her eyes. “Virgina is being dramatic. Ignore her. She has a crush on a man she has never andwillnever see.”

Valor turned toward the window to contemplate Jo’s words. His past had been stolen from him, his identity eliminated. His unknown was no longer a feeling of loss. It was a battle to be won.

He’d been freed from one cage. Now, he would become something a cage couldn’t contain.

Let the hunt begin.

Chief Styles Sawyer

Zorion

Zorion’s pulse thrummed with anxious energy as the helicopter circled the sprawling island.

It was unlike anything he’d ever seen. Well…remembered.

Lush green fields stretched for miles, dotted with thick forests and cascading waterfalls. The shore was an untamed, rocky terrain, a stark contrast to the serene inland.

From their low altitude, he saw men and women moving in perfect synchronization, their bodies flowing like water as they practiced martial arts in flawless formations.

Zorion took deep breaths to calm his pounding heart. This was no ordinary sanctuary. It was an island for training warriors.

The helicopter touched down, the rotor blades still slicing the air as Jo threw open the door and leaped out first.

Valor eyed Zorion before he rose from his seat and followed Jo slowly. Zorion stayed close, watching everything around them.

His hood shaded his eyes but not his vision. His senses heightened the moment his feet touched the ground.

The atmosphere was heavy with the scent of damp grass and salt from the sea and the temperature was tropically warm. The air was clean, untainted by pollution.

He and Valor paused at the two men who stood in head-to-toe black, emanating a silent authority that was both alarming and captivating.

The larger of the two was at least six-foot-five, his powerful frame wrapped in a loose black silk shirt that hugged his broad chest. His black-and-gold scarf obscured most of his face, leaving visible a chiseled jaw and full peach lips.

The way he stood, still yet commanding, made Zorion’s instincts flare, urging him to remain cautious.

The man beside him was only inches shorter and held an aura of quiet danger. His hood also concealed most of his face, but Zorion could feel the sharp assessment of his gaze like a blade pushing into his core.

Behind them, a formation of hooded men stood silent and vigil.

“Brother! Blessings! Blessings!”

Jo ran full speed and jumped into the larger man’s arm.

He smiled and greeted her in a deep, accented voice. “Kahar, my Sleek Panther. I knew you would return victorious.” His tone lacked softness, but Zorion could see he held love for her. “We will discuss all you’ve learned about the organization across the sea.”

“Brother, I bring you two brave men.”

The large man redirected his gaze and stared at them for a long time.

“They are survivors…warriors. Experiments were done on them. Unspeakable, painful things…transformations many others didn’t survive.” Jo held her arm out toward them as if showcasing a grand prize. “They are the only ones who did.”

“I remember,” he spoke. “Animal hybrids.”

“Yes,” Jo whispered and pointed toward him. “He is Zorion. I call him the Sky Phantom. And with him stands Valor, the man most worthy.”

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