Frozen Flame of Dawn - Chapter 76

Chapter 76: Chapter 37: Where Fear Reigns_1

As they drove steadily through the silent streets of the town, they only saw closed shops and the houses closed with their light off. While shadows moved behind those windows as frightened eyes peered out from behind thin curtains, the tension was noticeable as if a thick fog enveloped them.

As a sharp reminder of how lifeless the once-bustling town had become, that the sound of their engines echoed through their surroundings.

Carl, seated beside Megan, broke the silence. “It’s like a ghost town,” he muttered, his gaze fixed on the abandoned shops and closed homes.

Lilah, seated behind him, nodded in agreement. “They seemed to be scared of us,” she whispered.

Amira’s eyes remained focused on the road ahead, calm yet calculating. She picked up the radio and gave a clear order. “Find out exactly where Cole is holed up.”

Megan furrowed her brows, unsure who Amira was addressing. Sensing the unspoken question in the car, Mira spoke evenly. “The six we captured at the entrance—they’re still with our squad. She must have asked our team looking over them to get the location from them.”

Megan’s shoulders relaxed slightly as understanding dawned. Soon as the few tense moments passed before a voice crackled through the radio. “He’s at the mayor’s house, Captain—center of town.”

Megan’s heart sank as mayor’s home had always been a beacon of community and hope. Now, it was a stronghold for a tyrant. Her mind raced with worry for the mayor’s family, who had always been kind and generous. She wanted to ask Amira about them, but the words stuck in her throat.

Eddie noticed her distress and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. He leaned forward and asked on her behalf. “Major General Amira… the mayor’s family—they’re good people. If they’re still alive… can we save them?”

Amira’s gaze didn’t waver from the road. “If they’re alive, we will make sure they’re safe.” Her tone was steady but firm—no promises, just resolute determination. “Eddie, guide us to the house.”

Eddie nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat, and pointed ahead. “Straight down this road, then take the left at the old clock tower.”

After sometime the large gates of the mayor’s mansion came into view—a elegant structure that once radiated warmth but now loomed with an oppressive air. Armed men were stationed at every corner, their eyes sharp and their stances defensive.

The mansion loomed behind them, its once-proud walls marred with random barricades with stacks of furniture, metal sheets, and debris.

Lilah let out a low chuckle. “Looks cozy,” she muttered with a smirk. “Like they’ve been expecting us.”

Amira exhaled slowly as their vehicle rolled to a halt a few meters from the gate. Without hesitation, she pushed the door open and stepped out. Her boots crunched against the gravel as she made her way forward, her posture steady and unflinching.

One of the guards at the gate stepped forward, raising his hand in warning. “That’s close enough!” he barked, his hand hovering near his gun.

Megan leaned forward from her seat, eyes wide. “Is she seriously just walking up there?” she asked incredulously.

Liam, still seated behind the wheel, chuckled. “Yep. That’s our captain.”

Amira stopped just a few feet from the guard and locked eyes with him. Her voice was calm, yet it carried an unshakable authority. “I’m here to speak to Cole.”

The guard’s face twisted in irritation. “You can’t just—”

“Go tell him I’m here,” Amira interrupted smoothly with her gaze was unwavering. “Or I’ll walk in myself.”

The guard hesitated as he was visibly unsettled by her confidence so he glanced over his shoulder at his comrade, unsure. After a brief exchange of looks, he stepped back toward the gate. “Wait here,” he muttered before slipping inside the gate which opened just enough to let him through before slamming shut again.

The guard disappeared behind the gate to notify Cole, leaving the mansion’s entrance under watchful eyes. Amira walked back to her armored car. The silence was oppressive, the air thick with tension as if the town itself was holding its breath.

Liam who just stepped out of car and walked over to Amira’s side, stuffing his hands in his pockets. He leaned slightly toward her, voice low. “I’m betting he’s not going to like the surprise.”

Amira’s lips barely twitched. “That’s the point.”

He then leaned casually against the car, arms crossed but eyes sharp as they scanned the guards stationed around the mansion. His gaze was clinical and is observing every detail—the way the guards held their weapons, their stance, and their steady composure.

After a few moments, Liam muttered, “These guys aren’t ordinary thugs, some of them have had real training they maybe be police force or private security as this level of discipline isn’t learned overnight.”

Amira nodded subtly with her gaze flickering between the guards. “You’re right,” she said thoughtfully, “That kind of discipline comes from under experience and proper training.”

Liam then moved and knocked on the car window soon the glass lowered, revealing Megan, Eddie, and Carl sitting tensely inside.

Liam leaned in. “Take a good look. Do you recognize any of them?” he asked.

They hesitated but leaned forward to get a better view through the glass. Carl was the first to speak, his voice a mix of shock and disbelief.

“The one behind the barricade,” Carl pointed, his finger trembling slightly. “That’s Officer Ramirez. He was part of the town’s police force. And… over there—” He pointed again. “Those two were with him. Why… why are they working for Cole?”

Megan’s face paled, and Eddie looked visibly disturbed. Liam exchanged a grim look with Amira.

“Our suspicions were right,” Liam said quietly. “Cole’s recruited former law enforcement.”

But before Amira could respond, a commotion erupted from the left and the sound of muffled protests and scuffling boots caught their attention.

They looked over the direction of sound to see a group of armed thugs, who were dragging several young women toward the mansion while the women struggled as fear etched across their faces.