Vardy's instincts kicked in, and he spun around just in time to see a group of Dean's elite soldiers emerging from the trees, their weapons drawn and aimed at the group.
It happened in an instant.
"Take cover!" Vardy shouted, ducking behind a snowdrift as the soldiers opened fire.
They started shooting.
Selene was the first to respond, sprinting towards cover as Vardy motioned for the others to follow.
Ferah, gritting her teeth, took a few stumbling steps before collapsing against a nearby rock, her side pulsing with pain.
Tracy was quick to her side, grabbing her by the arm and pulling her further into cover. "Stay down," Tracy urged, her voice low.
I'm fine," Ferah growled, though the strain in her voice was evident. She fought to push through the pain, even as the battle raged around them.
Vardy, spotting an opening, stood from behind the snowdrift, his rifle in hand. His aim was precise, and he fired a few rounds, hitting one of the soldiers in the chest.
