The air was heavy with tension when Kael and Rin descended the stairs to the meeting room. Every member present straightened instantly, their chatter dying down the moment the two leaders appeared. The room was filled with Wolf Marks and Crimson Vultures alike — all alert, all ready.
Kael didn't waste time. His voice was calm but commanding. "We move according to the plan discussed in the last meeting," he said, eyes sharp as he scanned the room. "Remember — capture at least one of Ash Fang's men alive. We need information about their clients. Retrieve the drugs and leave no trace."
Everyone nodded firmly. The finality in Kael's tone left no room for doubt or hesitation.
"Get ready," he ordered.
He and Rin left together to prepare. Fifteen minutes later, the sound of boots echoed through the hall as everyone gathered downstairs — fully geared, compact tactical uniforms hugging their frames, weapons checked and ready.
Rin arrived, eyes cold and focused. "Get into your assigned teams," he instructed. "We move out in five."
Team One — led by Kael — would attack head-on.
Team Two — under Rin — would infiltrate from the back entrance.
Team Three — commanded by Kanji — would secure the sea route and cut off all escape.
Rin turned to Team Three. "Move first," he ordered.
Kanji nodded and led his squad out swiftly.
Kael approached Rin before leaving with his own unit. His gaze lingered on Rin for a brief second — silent understanding passing between them. Then he said quietly, "Stay sharp," and moved out.
Rin watched him go before signaling to his team. "Let's move."
The night air at the port was cold and salty when Team Two arrived thirty minutes later. The massive shipping yard loomed over them — cranes still, cargo containers stacked like walls.
Ten people were in Rin's squad — including Ari, Kade, Suri, Raphael from Wolf Marks, and several others. They crouched behind a row of containers, eyes scanning for movement.
Milo's voice crackled through their earpieces."We've confirmed the targets. Two of Ash Fang's key members — Dominic and Ray — are in charge of tonight's delivery."
Rin's tone stayed calm. "Copy that." He motioned for everyone to spread out and flank the rear side.
He tapped his earpiece again. "Team Two in position."
A few seconds later, Kanji's voice came through. "Team Three ready — covering the sea exit."
Kael's steady tone followed. "Team One is in position. Moving in now."
The moment the words left his mouth, gunfire erupted.
Loud cracks echoed through the metal yard as bullets ricocheted off containers. Rin and his team took cover behind stacks of crates. Some of Ash Fang's men panicked and tried escaping toward the docks — but Team Three cut them off with precision fire.
Rin gestured sharply. "Retrieve the drugs!"
His group advanced, clearing corners efficiently. Kael's men were already deep in the fray, taking out Ash Fang's enforcers one by one.
"Shit!" someone shouted. Dominic, one of Ash Fang's leaders, had been cornered but fired wildly and bolted toward the exit. Rin saw him, raised his gun, and shot — the bullet hit Dominic's leg cleanly. The man screamed and collapsed.
But before Rin could reach him, another Ash Fang member dragged Dominic up and fired a burst toward Rin. Rin ducked behind a container just in time — bullets whizzing past.
When he peeked out again, Dominic was being pulled away under heavy cover fire. Rin cursed under his breath. "Damn it."
Not far away, Kael was engaged in a firefight with Ray, the second Ash Fang member. Bullets flew between them, sparks lighting up the night. Ari's gun clicked empty beside a container. "Out of ammo!" he hissed and sprinted after Ray, who was making a break for it.
He turned the corner — only to find Rin already there, standing like a shadow.
Ray spotted him and fired. Rin was faster. He deflected the shot, darted forward, and kicked the gun from Ray's hand. The two men collided hard — exchanging sharp, brutal blows. Rin moved with trained precision — low, quick, lethal. He twisted Ray's arm, sent him crashing onto the ground.
Ray snarled, throwing a desperate punch that split Rin's lip before Rin slammed his knee into Ray's chest. Ray hit the floor, groaning.
Kael appeared from the side, grabbed Ray, and pinned him down with one arm. "Got him," he said coldly.
Within moments, the others arrived and bound Ray. Five of Ash Fang's men were captured alive — along with all the shipment crates stacked nearby.
Kael straightened, glancing at Rin. A faint streak of blood marked Rin's lip, but the gleam in his eyes was sharp and steady.
"You okay?" Kael asked quietly, stepping closer.
Rin wiped the blood away with his thumb. "Yeah. Just tired."
Kael's gaze flickered briefly to Rin's neck — checking for any sign of pheromone leak — then met his eyes again. "Your pheromones are stable. You did well."
Rin let out a small breath of relief and nodded. "Let's head back."
Kael nodded once, signaling to the others. "Move out. Take the hostages and shipment to headquarters."
As the trucks roared to life and the port lights flickered against the dark waves, Rin and Kael stood side by side, silent for a moment before following their men into the night.