Next day, HQ, Swindon — The sterile hum of fluorescent lights filled the room, but Kiaan's mind was elsewhere, lost in the lingering shadows of last night's conversation. He sat at his desk, fingers drumming absently on the edge, eyes fixed on the faint outline of Reyaan's tattoo on his wrist. The echo of Reyaan's mocking words still haunted him — the threat, the possession, the twisted promise of control. The weight of that mark pressed on him heavier than ever.
He leaned back in his chair, letting out a slow breath, the room blurring around him. Every muscle in his body felt taut, like a coiled spring ready to snap. His thoughts circled, dark and relentless — How much longer could he outrun this shadow? How deep was the game Reyaan was playing? And more terrifyingly, what was his own next move?
Just then, the door swung open with a light bang. Dev, Tara, and Rehaan entered, their lively chatter cutting through the tension like a knife. They exchanged glances and smirks the moment they saw Kiaan, who sat frozen in his quiet reverie.Dev, with a mischievous grin, called out, "Hey, Agent Brooding! What's with the long face? Did you find out Reyaan's secret recipe for bad vibes?"
Tara laughed as she plopped down on the edge of Kiaan's desk. "Or maybe you're just missing your favorite tormentor, huh? Don't worry, we'll send him a fruit basket or something."Rehaan crossed his arms, leaning casually, eyes sparkling with teasing. "Yeah, Kiaan, you look like you're about to sign up for a therapy session or write a dark poem about your feelings. Spill it. What's going on in that head of yours?"Kiaan shook his head slowly, a reluctant smile breaking through. "Nothing you guys wouldn't tease me about. Just… thinking."Dev nudged him, "Thinking is overrated. Come on, tell us. Is Reyaan still haunting your dreams?"
Kiaan's lips twitched, and he replied, "More like reminding me why I can't let my guard down. That conversation last night… it wasn't just talk."Tara leaned forward, eyes sharp. "So what now? You planning to make a move, or just sit there and brood some more?"Kiaan straightened up, his eyes now burning with resolve. "Tomorrow night, we go back on the hunt. No mistakes. No second chances. Reyaan thinks he's got me marked for life? We'll see about that."Rehaan slapped the desk with enthusiasm. "That's the spirit. We've got your back, always."Dev smirked, "Just don't go getting all poetic on us, or we'll have to start charging you for therapy sessions."The room erupted in laughter, the earlier heaviness lifting for a moment. Kiaan looked at his teammates—his family in this endless war—and felt the flicker of hope amid the storm.For now, the calm was a fragile thing. But the battle was far from over.