The smile from the being on the screen sent a chill down everyone's spine.
Then it raised its hand.
The sky around Gate 1—Tokyo—ripped open, thunder crackling without clouds. Black flames fell like rain, melting through buildings like butter. Panic hit the room like a slap. The Tokyo feed turned into a mess of static and screams.
Then Rio—an explosion tore through the heart of the city as the insectoid floated above, releasing a high-pitched screech that cracked windows miles away. People were running, cars flipping from invisible force waves.
Tatia's heart dropped.
"This is not a message," she said, voice cold, low. "It's war."
Chaos broke loose in the command center.
World leaders shouting, military personnel scrambling, some calling home. The scientists had already backed away from the table, pale as ghosts.
Tatia stepped forward, activated the emergency override.
