The Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon was quiet except for the rhythmic click of polished dress shoes on marble. Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the names of the fallen carved into the stone.

I stood on the podium in pristine dress blues, back straight, chin high. The wound on my temple had healed into a thin white scar. My shoulder ached, but it held.

General Sterling stood in front of me holding a small velvet box.

“Attention to orders,” the adjutant read, his voice echoing through the hall. “For exceptional meritorious service, conspicuous gallantry, and unwavering leadership under fire… Major General Elena Vance is hereby promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General.”

Sterling stepped forward and pinned the third silver star onto my collar. He smiled — a rare, genuine expression of pride.

“Congratulations, Lieutenant General.”