Mountains of Savoy – November 17, 1937 – 11:11 AM
Claire watched through the window as a white line of snow blanketed the valley. But the silence outside clashed with the constant sound inside the hideout: radio intercepts crackling with coded signals, hurried footsteps, paper crushed between tense fingers.
Solène read a list of countries aloud in a low voice.
— "Three governments have responded so far: Norway, Czechoslovakia, and the Netherlands. All support dismantling."
Émile nodded.
— "Small fish. The big ones are silent... or plotting something."
—
Berlin – 12:07 PM
The chancellery met behind closed doors. A general spoke coldly:
— "She's backed us into a corner without firing a shot."
Another added:
— "That's why she needs to disappear without becoming a hero. An accident. A mistaken identity. Nothing more."
—
Paris – Diplomatic Headquarters Basement – 1:02 PM
A group of agents received their orders.
Photos. Maps of the border. One note written in red:
"Vaillant must be captured alive. Or silenced permanently."
—
Mountains – 2:20 PM
Claire read a letter left by someone unknown at the entrance of the hideout.
"Don't stop. They're afraid of what you haven't said yet."
She looked at Lorelei.
— "They're coming."
Lorelei only asked:
— "Are you ready?"
Claire didn't hesitate:
— "I'm tired. But now... I won't back down."
She stood up.
— "If they want to stop me, they'll have to hear everything first."
—
While the cold descended from the mountains, the shadows climbed fast.
And Claire was preparing for the final chapter of the truth.