My Marine Brother Laughed When I Said My Call Sign Was “IRON TEN”—Then His Sergeant Heard It and Went Dead Silent.

A video this time.

I pressed play.

Static hissed.

Then my father’s voice filled the kitchen.

Thin.

Afraid.

Recorded.

“Harper, if you’re hearing this, I’m sorry. I should’ve told you before your mother died.”

My hand tightened around the phone.

Dad’s voice broke.

“The mission wasn’t betrayed by Cinder.”

The screen glitched.

Then he whispered the words that made the whole room tilt.

“Cinder was your mother.”