When the honor guard stepped forward and positioned their rifles, the atmosphere shifted. Officers straightened instinctively, boots pressing firmly into damp grass. The first rifle salute exploded into the air, echoing across distant hills like thunder cracking open the sky.
Titan reacted instantly.
His body stiffened, ears snapping forward, adrenaline surging through trained instincts that associated gunfire with movement and command. He looked toward the casket, then toward Ryan, waiting.
No order followed.
Only silence.
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