She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew) novel Chapter 415

Jaden and Brandon finally found Athena after driving around the city for a while.

She was waiting there, surrounded by a few heavily armed, tough-looking personnel. Athena was also fully geared up, wearing bulletproof equipment and looking ready for anything.

Jaden and Brandon were a little shocked when they saw her like this. They couldn't help but think, 'Is Athena really planning to go head-to-head with the terrorists?'

Athena was holding a few printed maps and handed one to each of them. "This is a satellite map of Wyomarlo City. We're here right now," she said, pointing to their location. "It's covered with weeds a few meters high."

She tapped the map, then pointed at a spot. "Me and my team will sneak in through the weeds and keep a low profile while protecting Zayn. You two will meet us here."

Brandon didn't like it. "No way. You're the younger one—why should you risk your life while we hang back? I've been through my share of combat, even gunfights. I'll go."

"Guys, this isn't the time to be emotional," Athena replied. "Against terrorists who kill without hesitation, we need strength, not just guts.

"You guys aren't trained. You don't even know how to use your weapons properly. If you go in, you'll just make things harder and distract Zayn."

"Well, true. But—" Jaden started to speak, but Athena held up a hand, signaling for silence. She glanced to the side. "Heads up. Someone is coming."

Jaden and Brandon immediately tensed, following her gaze. About 30 feet away, a dozen heavily armed Osceiton soldiers stepped out from behind a broken road marker.

The leader of the group was smaller than the rest, but the presence was much stronger. Seeing Athena, that person smiled and said, "I heard what you said, Miss Donovan. Well said."

The voice wasn't loud, but it was clear enough for them to hear.

Jaden and Brandon both let out a silent breath of relief. It was good to know they were speaking to one of their own who recognized them.

As the soldiers came closer, Jaden and Brandon were taken aback when they saw the leader up close.

The soldier turned out to be a young woman. She had sharp eyebrows, bright eyes, and stood tall with a steady, confident walk, almost like a cheetah in the dark.

But what stood out the most was the burn on her face, about the size of a baby's palm, standing out against her otherwise strong features.

She walked right up to Athena, showed her military ID, and said in a calm, deep voice, "Nicolette Trevor. I'm a major general. I've been in the war on terrorism for nearly ten years, and I am in charge of this operation."

Even Athena was surprised, and Jaden and the others were shocked.

Nicolette couldn't have been over 30, but she was already a major general.

Normally, it took at least 10 years to rise to that level, sometimes 20. They were all curious about which path she had taken.

To make it there so young meant she had either a serious background or had done something extraordinary—or maybe both.

Athena took a moment to collect herself. "Since you know we're Zayn's family, please allow us to join the operation."

"I understand your feelings," Nicolette said, recognizing that Athena was in charge. "But like you said, emotion and courage alone won't take down the enemy. In the end, it's all about strength."