The gates of Jackson hadn’t seen this kind of chaos in years. People shouting. Weapons being grabbed. The Miller family in full defense mode.

Tommy’s voice was sharp: “What do you mean they’re here for her?”

The soldier from patrol looked pale. “They’re not raiders. They’re WLF. Said they’re here for a girl… a ‘Project Delta.’ Said she belongs to them.”

You stood frozen.

Ellie turned to you slowly. “...What the hell is Project Delta?”

Your breath caught in your throat.

“I am.”

Everyone went quiet.

Tommy’s face twisted in confusion. Maria clutched your arm.

Ellie stared at you—hurt, afraid, already putting the pieces together. “You knew.”

You nodded, voice barely above a whisper. “They raised me. Trained me. Experimented on me. But I got out. You found me. You made me someone real.”

Ellie stepped closer, jaw clenched. “And now they think they can take you back?” Her voice broke: “Over my dead body.”