I quickly found a way to escape from the center or their brawl. I spotted a security man already walking toward them when I left so they would be fine as I shrugged the thought of everything that happened today to my back.
Immediately I entered I saw Bella and the other people that were accepted.
We were here for our first mission, and none of us knew what it would entail.
Bella gave me a small, tight smile, I wondered the first time I had saw her why she seemed hostile to me but now she gave small smiles. She was confident, polished, and looked like the kind of person who wouldn't want to make friends so I kept my distance.
We sat down, each of us picking a chair like we were strangers forced together by fate. We didn't even utter any word amongst ourselves. I guess no one wanted to make the first move, and I didn't blame them. Missions were serious business. And we all had problems that made us accept this offer so we necessarily didn't have to relate.
I fiddled with the strap of my bag, thinking of how my life had led me here, to a small waiting room in Atlas City with a group of strangers and a task that could very well determine how dangerous this place was.
Minutes ticked by, stretching longer with every passing second. I kept glancing at the door, half-expecting our boss to storm in with instructions that would make my head spin.
Bella leaned over slightly, whispering, "Do you think it's going to be something… dangerous?" This was the first word she had said to me .
I forced a shrug. "Probably," I whispered back, though the word didn't carry the conviction I wanted.
The rest of the group murmured agreement, their expressions tight with unease or excitement. I couldn't tell which. Each of us had been selected for a reason, which remained a mystery. I wanted to ask questions, but I didn't know where to start.
Then, finally, the door opened. A tall man stepped in, his presence commanding without needing to raise his voice. He had a scar at the side of his face almost covering his left eyes as I wondered how he must have gotten it.
He looked at each of us, scanning as though he could see straight into our thoughts. He didn't smile and got straight to business.
"Good afternoon," he began, his voice calm but layered with authority. "You've all been selected for a reason. Each of you has skills we need. Your first mission will be assigned to you based on what my team and I think would be best for your ability.
"I hate betrayals"
Then a man was brought in tied and beaten brutally then he pulled a gun out as I gasped from shock I stared at the other men who didn't even flinch like they've seen worse from life. He killed the man immediately and brought out a napkin to clean his hand after handing the gun to another buff man that stood beside him.
Just like that the body was dragged out while I was already drenched in sweat now realizing I might have taken this job offer in haste but I couldn't back out now.
"This man gave out information to our rivals" our boss' voice snapped me out of my thoughts as I was visibly shaken. This was the first time someone was killed in front of me.
We were to go in and attend this high end party and try to get acquainted with some people and with the place because we would be going there another day. That was what our boss said and this was the first step into a world I had barely begun to understand.
After a brief pause, he handed each of us a folder. My fingers trembled slightly as I opened mine. Inside were documents outlining a meeting place, a time, and a warning: "Do not deviate. Do not reveal yourself. Observe carefully."
I shouldn't say much about not being from this place and try to blend in like some rich kids. A dress was prepared for me and Bella as we were both going as the dates of the other two men who would sneak off later to do some other task which were not discussed in our present.
I stepped into the grand banquet hall, my stomach knotting instantly. Crystal chandeliers spilled warm, golden light across the room, reflecting off the sharp suits and flowing gowns around me.soft music floated in the air, mixed with the polite laughter and the hum of conversations that seemed just a little too rehearsed.
I clutched my hand around my back and held my head high, pretending I belonged. My eyes scanned the room, noting the men and women of influence, their subtle gestures, the way they whispered behind raised glasses. This was my first mission and I had no idea what to expect. I was just on a date on this mission.
I tried to stay calm as I found a seat near the edge of the room. Bella and the other recruits were already there, chatting quietly among themselves like elites none of us acted like we knew each other all with their own agenda… No one wanted to draw attention, yet everyone's gaze was alert.
Then I felt a gaze lingering on me as my partner had already excused himself to go do something. A man approached, broad-shouldered, confident, and sharp-eyed. "Ah, what a pleasure," he said, extending his hand. "May I have this dance?"
I stiffened. His smile was charming, but the way he looked at me made my skin crawl. "I… I don't think that's a good idea," I stammered, trying to step back.
"Come now, it's just a dance," he said, leaning slightly closer. His eyes roamed over me with an intensity I didn't like. My stomach twisted, and I clutched my bag tightly. Every instinct screamed that I needed to avoid this person.
Before I could protest further, I spotted him Drey. Across the room, standing with his usual silent authority, his gaze fixed sharply on me. My heart jumped. How was he here? And why did his presence make the room feel suddenly smaller, heavier?
Next to him, Dwae leaned casually against the wall, smirking as if he were enjoying my discomfort. Anita sat beside Drey with calm confidence, her smile polite but unreadable.
Were they also elites and did my mission mean these people might end up being my enemies? I questioned myself.
I tried to focus on staying calm, keeping my composure, but my pulse raced with every step I took. The politician tried again, his hand grazing my elbow. "Come on, just a dance," he murmured. I flinched and stepped back.
Before I could react further, I spotted movement from the corner of my eye. Dwae chuckled, he walked to our table leaning a little closer. "Relax, Becky. Seems someone already has your attention," he teased, and the way he said it made my chest tighten.
Drey's eyes were fixed on me, sharp and dangerous.
"Stay away from him," he warned, low and measured, his voice like a blade. My heart skipped a beat. Was he angry with me, or warning me?
I swallowed hard, stepping aside, trying to disappear into the crowd, but my next steps led me toward the restroom. I needed a moment to think, to catch my breath. My fingers trembled as I pushed the door open, stepping inside the stark, bright space.
I barely had time to wash my hands before the same politician appeared, blocking the exit. "Lost something?" he said with a predatory grin, stepping closer. My stomach lurched.
"Stay back," I warned, my voice firmer than I felt.
Before he could make another move, a blur of movement hit him square in the chest. Drey. His kick sent the man sprawling to the floor, a sharp thud echoing in the restroom. Drey's gaze swept over me, dark and unreadable. For a moment, the air around him seemed to constrict, and instinctively I took a step back.
"Thank you," I whispered, though my voice barely carried.
"Mr Edwards, why harass my guest?" Dreyson was speaking for me. It seems he held authority over this man.
The man apologized and walked away although I could see the anger on his face.
And then, Anita appeared, gliding into the room with the same calm confidence that made her presence feel impossible to ignore. Her eyes darted from Dreyson to me, lingering just enough to make my stomach twist.
From the shadows, a familiar smirk appeared; it was Dwae who was always lurking behind his brother.
"Knight," he said mockingly, leaning against the wall. "Looks like someone's stirring trouble."
Drey's head snapped toward him, jaw tightening.
Dwae only laughed, enjoying the tension. "Relax, brother. She's just a guest," he said casually, though his eyes glinted with mischief.
Anita finally spoke, her tone firm but polite. "We should leave. Both of you. Now."
Dwae smirked but didn't move immediately. "Not so fast," he said, then, softer, almost teasingly: "Don't worry, new girl. You're safe… for now."
I swallowed, my stomach twisting. This was no ordinary mission. The banquet, the nobles, the twins. I knew i had stepped into a world far more dangerous than I'd imagined.
And then my phone vibrated sharply in my pocket. My hands shook as I pulled it out. The message was short, urgent:
"Return. Immediately. We've been compromised."