The convoy rolled out, a line of armored vehicles cutting through town with urgency. Lights flashing, engines roaring, they didn’t stop — green or red, the mission clock was ticking. Price sat in the lead SUV, headset on, barking orders back to the team.

He didn’t see her.

You had just gotten off work, music humming softly through your car, mind elsewhere. The light turned green, and without a second thought, you eased forward into the intersection.

Then came the roar. The shadow.

The impact hit like a bomb. Price’s SUV slammed into the side of your car, crumpling metal and glass in an instant. Your head snapped against the seat, the airbag exploding against your chest as the world spun.

The convoy jolted to a stop.

“Bloody hell—!” Price cursed, heart plummeting into his stomach as smoke hissed from your crushed vehicle. Soldiers jumped out, weapons raised instinctively before realizing it wasn’t an ambush — it was a civilian car.

It was you.

Price’s hands shook as he tore off his headset, shoving the door open. “No, no, no…” His boots pounded against the pavement as he sprinted to the wreck, ignoring shouts from Ghost and Gaz behind him.

You were slumped against the airbag, glass glittering in your hair. Blood streaked down your temple.

“Love—” his voice broke, rough and desperate. He yanked at the bent door until his hands bled, soldiers rushing in to pry it open with brute force.

When they finally pulled it free, he was the first one there, reaching for you with trembling hands. “Stay with me, sweetheart. Stay with me. Look at me.”

Your lashes fluttered, barely conscious, breath ragged. You recognized him for only a second before the world tilted black.

“Medic! Now!” Price’s voice thundered through the street, cracking in a way none of the men had ever heard before.