The night around Ilian's estate was unnervingly quiet, the kind of silence that weighed heavily on the air. The faint hum of the security system was the only sound, accompanied by the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze. Kaliah stood on the second-floor balcony outside Ilian's study, her arms folded as she scanned the sprawling grounds below. The moonlight cast long shadows, transforming the neatly trimmed hedges and pathways into a maze of dark shapes.
"Kacey," she whispered, her voice barely louder than the wind. "What's the status?"
Her brother's voice crackled through her comm device. "South perimeter, Kay. I've got five—no, six targets. Armed and moving in coordinated formation."
She tensed. "Ilian's men?"
"Not a chance," Kacey replied, his tone sharp. "It's them. The rival Syndicate. And they're after you."
Kaliah exhaled slowly, her pulse quickening. She had known the Syndicate's rivals were circling, but their decision to attack now—and to target her—meant they were escalating. "They think taking me out will destabilize him."
"Exactly," Kacey said. "You're his weak link in their eyes. They're hoping to rattle him, maybe even expose a chink in his armor."
Her blue eyes flicked to the glow of security lights in the distance, the shadows shifting ominously. "How much time do I have?"
"Five minutes, maybe less. You need to move."
–
Earlier that evening, Kaliah had prepared for the Syndicate's dinner with deliberate precision. Every detail of her appearance had been calculated to send a message. Her gown was a deep, fiery red—a bold choice that clung to her curves with an elegance that balanced sensuality and power. The high slit revealed just enough leg to make an impression, while the intricate neckline framed her diamond necklace, a gift from one of her most recent assignments.
Her knotless braids, freshly done, were styled into a high bun, sleek and polished, with a few loose strands framing her face. She had chosen understated makeup, her mocha skin glowing under the light, and her vivid blue eyes sharp as ever. In her clutch, a slim blade and compact pistol were discreetly concealed, her weapons of choice hidden beneath the guise of sophistication.
When Ilian's black truck had arrived—a sleek, armored vehicle—it had exuded the same aura as its owner: powerful, deliberate, and unyielding. The ride to his estate had been a quiet one, but every moment in the vehicle had reminded her of the stakes. She wasn't walking into a dinner. She was walking into a battlefield.
–
Now, standing in Ilian's study, the gravity of the situation pressed down on her. Ilian sat at his desk, his sleeves rolled up as he studied a map of their recent operations. Dorian stood nearby, his arms crossed and his dark eyes scanning her as she entered.
"Ms. Reid," Ilian said, glancing up. "Something urgent?"
"Yes," she replied, her voice steady. "The rival Syndicate. They're here."
Ilian's gaze sharpened, his movements slow and deliberate as he leaned back in his chair. "How many?"
"Six," she said. "Armed and closing in fast. Kacey's tracking them near the south wall."
Dorian swore under his breath, moving to retrieve a weapon from a concealed cabinet. "How the hell did they get this close?"
"That's a question for later," Ilian said, his voice cold but calm. "Right now, we deal with them."
Kaliah stepped forward, her tone firm. "You need to stay here. Let me handle this."
Ilian arched an eyebrow, his smirk faint but unmistakable. "You think I'm going to hide while someone attacks my home?"
"This isn't about hiding," she countered. "It's about strategy. You're the endgame for them. If you step into the open, you give them exactly what they want."
For a moment, his gray eyes locked onto hers, searching for something unspoken. Finally, he nodded, though his smirk didn't fade. "Fine. But don't expect me to sit idle."
–
The estate's gardens were unnervingly quiet as Kaliah moved through the shadows, her every step calculated and silent. The moonlight illuminated the paths, and her senses were on high alert. Kacey's voice guided her through the comm device.
"Two near the east gazebo," he said. "They're moving slow, but they're scanning the area. You can take them if you're quick."
She adjusted the small blade hidden in her hand and crept forward. The gazebo came into view, its white wood glowing faintly in the moonlight. Two figures lingered nearby, their weapons ready. Kaliah moved with practiced precision, her breathing steady.
The first man turned, his back to her, and she struck quickly, the blade slipping into his side. He crumpled without a sound. The second man spun toward her, but she was faster, disarming him with a sharp kick and delivering a strike to his temple. He hit the ground, unconscious.
"Two down," she murmured, wiping her blade. "What's next?"
"West wing," Kacey said. "But Kay... Ilian's heading straight for them."
Her chest tightened. "What?"
"He's not staying put," Kacey said, exasperation clear. "Get to him before he gets himself killed."
–
She found Ilian near the west wing, his weapon drawn and his expression calm yet deadly. "Ilian," she hissed, catching up to him. "What the hell are you doing?"
"Finishing this," he said simply. "Did you think I'd let you handle this alone?"
Before she could reply, two attackers emerged from the shadows. Ilian fired first, his shot precise, dropping one man instantly. Kaliah handled the second, her blade flashing in the moonlight as she disarmed him and delivered a swift, final strike.
The air between them crackled as they stood in the aftermath, their breaths mingling in the cool night air. Ilian turned to her, his gray eyes blazing. "You're reckless."
"And you're impossible," she shot back, though a faint smile tugged at her lips.
He stepped closer, his voice lowering. "You surprise me, Kaliah."
Her breath caught as his fingers brushed against her cheek, the moment stretching between them. When his lips met hers, it was fiery and demanding, a collision of wills and desires. The kiss left her breathless, her hands gripping his suit jacket as the world seemed to fade away.
"You're dangerous," he murmured, his voice rough.
"So are you," she whispered, her heart racing.
The sound of distant footsteps broke the moment, and Ilian stepped back, his mask of control slipping back into place.
"Let's finish this," he said.
Kaliah nodded, her focus sharpening. The fight wasn't over—not here, and not in the larger game they were playing. But for the first time, she wasn't sure who her real enemy was.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIyJXlfJt9
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