8:00 AM — Studio Lot 7
The sky was soft with morning gold, but Yirenda's heels hit the pavement like a death bell. She stepped out of the black car, legs endless, lips painted a merciless red.
Today's shoot was for the cover of Vanta Vogue. Global stream. Billion-view audience.
But Cipher whispered in her ear:
[08:35. Drone sniper. Third camera tower. Targeting upper right clavicle. Fatal.]
And still—she smiled for the cameras.
"Yirenda!"
"Over here!"
"Look this way, baby!"
"You're glowing!"
Yes, she was.
Because she wasn't scared.
She was bait.
The makeup artist touched up her cheek. The assistant fluffed her curls. And the director called out, "Alright, Diamond Queen—let's make people worship you."
She gave him a slow nod, then walked to her mark.
Black latex dress. Backless. Skin like forbidden silk. Every click of the camera sounded like a countdown to someone's death.
08:29 AM
The wind shifted.
Cipher pulsed through her iris.
[Sniper online. Drone cloaked. Locked on.]
She looked directly at the tower. Smiled.
She posed for the bullet.
Then, out of nowhere—
BANG.
But it wasn't the sniper that fired.
It was a silencer from behind her.
She turned—
And there he was.
Leaning casually against the trailer wall, pistol in hand.
Tall. Black suit. No tie. Collar open to reveal just a bit of chest. Hair black. Eyes colder than anything she'd ever seen.
He looked like sin dipped in royalty.
"Who the hell—"
"The sniper's dead," he said, lowering his gun. "You're welcome."
Her heart didn't skip. It screamed.
"Who sent you?"
"Depends," he replied, stepping toward her. "Do you want to thank me, or interrogate me?"
Her eyes narrowed. "Both."
Backstage — 08:52 AM
They stood alone. The shoot was suspended due to the "malfunction." No one suspected an attempted kill. No one ever suspected danger around Yirenda.
But this man…
"You killed a man on my set without clearance," she said, slowly peeling off her gloves. "Do you even know what that does to my reputation?"
He stepped closer. "I know what that bullet would've done to your heart."
"I would've dodged it."
He smirked. "Then why did you let yourself be out in the open?"
"To see who came running."
Her eyes glittered.
"And now I have your face."
"Good. Remember it. You'll need it again."
Then he leaned in. Too close. She could smell gunpowder, clean soap, and the faintest hint of desire. His voice dropped:
"The enemy who caged your father isn't watching from afar. He's right here."
Before she could speak—
He kissed her cheek.
Hot.
Firm.
Gone.
Later That Night — Private Suite
She dropped her purse, kicked off her heels, and walked into the Cipher Chamber.
[Encrypted Voice Message – 1 New File]
From: Unknown ID
"He's not on your side. He's not even from your world."
Attached: a childhood photo of her.
Sitting on a bench.
Innocent. Smiling. Holding a gold balloon.
Next to her: That man.
Looking the same age. Exactly the same.
No older.
No different.
Not human.
Her breath caught.
Her fingers curled.
And then Cipher whispered again:
[BODY ADAPTATION 1 UNLOCKED]
Heat Resistance +30%
Spinal Reflex Boosted
Sexual Sensitivity: Enhanced
She didn't flinch.
She welcomed it.
Because next time he touched her…
She'd know everything.