That belief had been entirely deliberate, built over years of operational security.

For twelve years I had served on active duty in the United States Army, rising to the rank of major, specializing in intelligence coordination and tactical planning.

My work involved assignments I was legally and ethically forbidden to discuss with anyone lacking clearance — including my own family.

Tristan had served in a parallel capacity within a joint task force, and so we had both learned early that keeping our work from relatives was not a personal slight but a basic requirement of the job.

When curious relatives asked what I did on base, I would smile and say I managed digital logistics records.