The next day was officially off.
Everyone in the group had plans—movies, cafés, random hangouts—but Nyx stayed home.
Her arm still burned faintly.
Healing mattered more than socializing.
Lyra tried.
Of course she did.
She spammed calls, messages, voice notes.
"Nyx pleaseee, fresh air helps wounds!""You can't rot in bed like a gothic vampire!"
Nyx replied with a single text:
Rest.
And that was that.
She spent the day wrapped in blankets, watching her favorite series, eating quietly, letting the silence settle into her bones.
For once—
No blood.
No missions.
Just peace.
It felt strange.
But good.
Her phone rang.
Lucien.
She answered lazily.
"Yeah?"
"Meeting with Liz at eight. I'll pick you up at seven."
Nyx stared at the ceiling.
"No thanks. I'll travel on my own."
There was a pause.
"You sure?"
"Yeah."
"…Okay."
She hung up, rolled to her side, and fell asleep again.
She woke at five.
Did the dishes.
Swept the floor.
Folded clothes.
By six, she was dressed.
She carefully cleaned her wound, wrapped it tight, hid it beneath dark fabric.
At 6:30, she left her apartment.
The bus arrived just in time.
She sat near the window, earbuds in, watching the city blur past.
Then—
Someone dropped into the seat beside her.
Nyx turned.
Lucien.
Her eyes widened.
"You?"
He leaned back casually.
"Thought I'd accompany you. Didn't feel like going alone."
She stared.
"You literally called saying you'd come in your car."
He shrugged.
"Plans change."
Nyx exhaled sharply.
"You're unbelievable."
He smirked.
"Admit it. You're glad."
She didn't answer.
After a moment she said,
"We get down at the next stop."
Lucien blinked.
"Why?"
"Because we're taking that car."
He frowned.
"The one from… that night?"
"Yes."
He hesitated.
"Is that safe?"
Nyx looked at him like he'd asked something ridiculous.
"It's hidden in the woods. Who the hell would look there?"
Lucien gave a small laugh.
"Right. Forgot who I was talking to."
They reached the abandoned stretch, walked through trees, and there it was—silent, untouched.
They drove.
By the time they arrived, everyone was already inside.
Liz didn't waste time.
She crossed her arms.
"So. I heard Nyx killed her ex."
Nyx didn't react.
Liz sighed.
"Well. Can't undo that."
She continued,
"I also heard about the men at the freshers' party."
Nyx gave a lazy hum.
Liz's eyes sharpened.
"They were sent by our main target."
Elias leaned forward.
"I knew it. Who else could pull something that coordinated?"
James added,
"We should give him a codename. Makes things easier."
Liz nodded.
"Agreed."
Nyx raised a brow.
"How about pineapple?"
Lucien scoffed immediately.
"This is not gossip. It's a mission. Be serious."
Nyx smirked.
"I am serious."
Liz shook her head.
"I already have one."
She opened her file.
"Andras."
Everyone looked up.
Liz explained,
"Andras is known as a monster avatar. Ruthless. Strategic. Cruel."
She closed the folder.
"Our target is no less."
Nyx nodded slowly.
"Andras. Works for me."
The others agreed.
Liz continued,
"Unfortunately, progress is still zero. Do any of you have new intel?"
Elias sighed.
"Not yet. We're stuck in the mayor loop."
"We wait," Nyx said quietly.
"Things will unfold."
Everyone nodded.
Liz exhaled.
"Fine. Let's call it off for today. Get rest."
They all stood.
Mission paused.
For now.
Outside, Lucien walked beside Nyx.
He glanced at her arm.
"You sure you're okay?"
Nyx met his eyes.
"I've survived worse."
He didn't smile this time.
He just nodded.
And somewhere between the trees and the fading light—
Both of them knew.
This calm?
It wouldn't last.
If you'd like, next chapter we can bring: