The war leaves its mark.

Previously

…The war had left its mark, a permanent etching on Alex’s soul. The scars of betrayal ran deep. But as he watched Thorne being led away, he felt a flicker of peace. The ghosts of his unit, finally, could rest. He knew his fight wasn't over. The unseen enemy was everywhere, preying on the vulnerable, on those who had sacrificed everything. He would dedicate his life to them, to the veterans who, like him, were still fighting battles long after the shooting stopped. He would be their shield, their unwavering ally, ensuring that no one would ever be forgotten, or betrayed, again.