Back at the agency, silence hung thick as the surviving agents marched down the corridor, their boots echoing against the cold floor. They entered Raven's office, handing over the secured file.

Raven barely looked up from her desk. "Well done. The mission was a success."

Then she paused, her eyes scanning the group.

"...Where's Simon?"

The room fell quiet.

Too quiet.

Amelia stepped forward, her voice barely above a whisper.

"...He didn't make it back, ma'am."

Raven's fingers froze mid-turn of the file. Her expression didn't change-but her voice sharpened.

"Explain..what happened."

Ava, one of the top S-Ranks, stepped forward with venom in her eyes.

"Oh, we'll explain. Simon's dead-because he happened." She pointed directly at Jason.

Jason, eyes red and swollen, shook his head, tears spilling again.

"I didn't mean for this to happen... He told me not to come, but I didn't listen... and then he... he..."

Raven cut in, her voice cold and mechanical. "There's no point crying over it now. Simon's gone. We'll fill his position. The agency can't afford empty seats."

The words hit the room like a slap.

Ava's eyes widened in disbelief. "Replace him? You don't just 'replace' Simon. He wasn't a desk filler-he was one of the best! We're barely holding the line as it is!"

Jason clenched his fists. His voice, shaky but determined, broke the tension.

"Then I'll do it... I'll replace him."

Every eye in the room turned to him.

Ava laughed bitterly. "You? You're the reason he's gone in the first place. The one person who actually gave a damn about you-and you let him die."

Jason's jaw tightened. He didn't speak.

Ava wasn't done. She smiled, cruel and deliberate.

"Even your own parents didn't want you. Raven had to pay them just to forget you existed-and they didn't hesitate. You were always just a mistake they cashed in on."

Jason stood frozen. The words stung-but not like they used to.

Because now... something inside him had shifted.

Raven's tone darkened. "That's enough, Ava."

But Jason slowly looked up, his voice icy.

"...Do you really think I care about that anymore?" He gave a small, cold laugh. "My parents can rot. They were gone long before this."

He stepped forward, meeting Ava's glare head-on.

"But Simon? He was the first person who actually saw me. And yeah, I messed up. But I'm not staying down."

He took a breath, steel in his eyes."I will become an S-Rank. Not to prove it to you... but for him. And when I do-you'll remember this moment."

The room fell silent again-only now, it wasn't out of shock.

It was the quiet before a storm.

Raven finally looked up, and for a split second... there was something unreadable in her eyes.

"Then prove it i'd like to see you try."

Years passed, and Jason rose through the ranks like a storm-pushing beyond limits, breaking records, and mastering skills no one his age ever dared to attempt. Eventually, he stood at the top-an S-Rank assassin, feared, respected... greater than even Simon had ever been. But despite the glory, something still felt hollow. A piece of him was missing.

Meanwhile, at the Agency, something unusual was stirring. Raven summoned every assassin from D to S-Rank into the central hall. It was rare-unheard of even-for such a gathering to be called, and the air was thick with curiosity and tension.

Stepping onto the platform, Raven's voice rang out strong and clear:

"Over the years, I've watched many of you grow... sharpen your skills, hone your instincts, and bleed for your progress. But today," she paused, scanning the room, "today, I'm going to reward not just your strength-but your potential."

A ripple of surprise ran through the hall.

"I'm selecting six individuals," Raven continued, "for a mission like no other. Complete it, and you'll ascend beyond S-Rank... to Phantom Rank. SS-Rank."

The hall erupted in shock and excitement-SS-Rank was legend. Untouchable. Rumors and whispers danced through the crowd. And then the names were called.

Jason-of course.

Then others followed. And finally, the last name echoed through the hall:

"Daphne Amari."

Silence.

Heads turned. Confused murmurs spread like wildfire.

"Who?"

"D-Rank? Did she say D-Rank?"

"Is this some kind of joke?"

At the back, Daphne stood frozen. Her eyes wide. Her breath caught.

"Me?" she whispered. "There's no way. This has to be a mistake. I just got ranked last week... This has to be some sort of joke!"

As the murmurs intensified, Raven simply smiled. "That'll be all," she said. "Chosen assassins, report to my office. Now."

Jason stood, calm and unreadable. The others followed with pride. And Daphne? She stood on shaking legs, stepping toward the unknown... with the eyes of the entire agency burning into her back.

Inside Raven's private office, the atmosphere was cold and sharp-just like her. The six assassins stood before her in a line. Jason, arms crossed, unreadable. The others-seasoned, focused, confident. Then there was Daphne, trying hard to steady her breath, completely out of place.

Raven stepped back and pressed a button on her desk. Instantly, the lights dimmed and a holographic projection shimmered to life-at the center, a sprawling, high-security mansion pulsed in red.

She spoke calmly, but her tone was laced with gravity.

"Your target is a child. First name: Liam. Last name : Hugh. Age: Ten. Location: Saint Lucian."

The room went still.

"This boy isn't ordinary-he's an asset. Classified. You're to infiltrate the compound, extract him alive, and eliminate all traces of the facility afterward."

The hologram zoomed in, revealing layers of security: guards, lasers, armored drones.

"You get in. You get the boy. You burn it all down."

She locked eyes with them.

"Failure is not on the table."

No one spoke.

Raven paced slowly in front of them, heels echoing on the marble floor. "What I'm about to assign isn't just a mission," she began. "It's a test. A gauntlet. A gateway to Phantom Rank."

Her gaze swept over them. "Five of you are top-tier-S-Rank, well-decorated, trusted. And one of you..." she paused in front of Daphne, "...is an anomaly."

Daphne stiffened. The others shot her a glance. She wanted to disappear.

"But I've seen something in you," Raven continued. "Not raw power, not experience-but something more dangerous. Instinct."

Jason raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

Then Raven added, "Only those who make it back alive... will earn the Phantom Rank."

Daphne's throat tightened. Jason finally looked at her-studying her-but not judging. More like... curious.

"And remember," Raven said darkly, "this isn't about fairness. It's survival."

She shut the map. "You leave at dawn."

As they turned to exit, Raven called out, "Jason."

He paused.

"Watch her."

Jason's eyes narrowed slightly. "If she slows us down-"

"Then leave her behind," Raven finished coldly. "No attachments."

Daphne felt a chill run down her spine.

Jason didn't answer. He just walked out.

Daphne clenched her fists and whispered to herself, "...I'll prove them all wrong."

As they left Raven's office, tension sparked immediately. Seraphina, one of the chosen S-Ranks, clicked her tongue in annoyance, her heels echoing down the corridor.

"I still don't get why we're stuck with a D-Rank on a Phantom-level mission," she scoffed. "She literally got ranked last week. What a joke."

Riley, walking beside her with an icy expression, didn't even blink. "Why not just get rid of her? She's gonna die anyway."

Seraphina smirked but sighed. "Trust me, I've thought about it. But we'd be breaking protocol-we can't kill teammates."

Riley turned, eyes cold as steel, fixing her gaze on Daphne. "Listen, D-Rank. Don't for a second think you're one of us. If you slow me down, I'll make sure you disappear. You're deadweight. Just a tool waiting to be discarded-and when I say 'discarded,' I mean dead."

Daphne froze, her voice barely a whisper. "Yes, ma'am... I won't get in your way."

Seraphina scoffed, disgusted. "Ugh, look at her. Shaking like a wet dog. So pathetic."

The two walked off without another glance.

Daphne stood alone in the hallway, hands clenched, trying to hold herself together. That's when Jason's voice cut through the silence.

"Watch your back," he said flatly, not even turning to face her. "They will kill you if you let them. I'd do it myself if it weren't against protocol. They're S-Ranks, yeah-but they act like rabid dogs. It pisses me off that I share a rank with them."

Before she could reply, he vanished down another hallway, leaving only the echo of his boots behind.

Suddenly, a warm hand touched her shoulder. She turned to see Howl-another S-Rank, but his aura was different. Calmer. Kinder.

"Don't let them get to you," he said gently. "It's gonna be rough, no doubt... Honestly, I still don't know why Raven picked you, but hey-maybe she sees something the rest of us don't."

Daphne lowered her eyes. "I don't even know what I'm doing here..."

Howl smiled. "Relax. If anything goes wrong, I've got your back. I won't let anything happen to you. That's a promise."

Daphne blinked, surprised. "You'd do that? For a D-Rank like me?"

"We all started there," Howl shrugged. "Some of them might've forgotten, but I haven't."

He leaned in slightly, voice dropping. "Oh-and don't mind Jason too much. He acts like he cares, but truth is... he doesn't. Even Raven lost his respect, somehow."

Daphne's eyes widened. "Wait... Madame Raven?"

"Yeah," Howl said, turning to leave. "Long story. Maybe you'll figure it out. Get some rest-we deploy at dawn."

As he walked away, Daphne stood a little taller. She still didn't feel ready-but maybe, just maybe, she wasn't as alone as she thought.

Daphne collapsed face-first onto her bed, groaning into the pillow like the world was ending. Her roommate, Cindy, peeked over from her side of the room, eyes twinkling.

"So... Miss Soon-To-Be-SS-Rank, how does it feel to be famous?" she teased, already grinning.

Daphne rolled onto her back, staring blankly at the ceiling. "Like I've just been sentenced to death... with glitter on top."

Cindy gasped. "Seriously?! Everyone would kill to be in your boots right now!"

Daphne raised a brow. "Yeah, and I might literally be killed in mine."

Cindy slid closer, eyes glinting mischievously. "Okay, but the best part is..."

Daphne turned her head, suspicious. "What?"

Cindy beamed. "You're going on a mission with Jason! You know-Jason! Your ultimate crush from last year!"

Daphne's face turned red instantly. She launched a pillow at Cindy. "SHHHH! Not so loud! That was just a tiny crush!"

"Tiny?" Cindy caught the pillow like a pro. "Girl, you wrote his name in your training notebook with little daggers and hearts."

Daphne buried her face. "Okay, maybe I liked him... but that was before I realized he wouldn't blink twice if I got vaporized on this mission."

Cindy threw the pillow back. "You don't know that. He might secretly care."

Daphne sighed, her voice dropping. "Or he might let me 'accidentally' get eliminated and say it was a 'tragic loss'."

Cindy's smirk faded. "Okay... real talk... you don't actually think they'll kill you, right?"

Daphne gave her a tired look. "Cindy. They're S-Ranks. The 'rules' bend when you hit their level. If I mysteriously trip into a volcano on this mission, no one's asking questions."

Cindy went quiet, the smile gone. She watched Daphne slowly curl into a ball. "You're stronger than you think, Daph... just don't die before proving it."

"Great pep talk," Daphne mumbled into her blanket before dozing off.

The Next Morning

The team gathered at the port. Everyone was geared up and ready-except two persons.

Seraphina tapped her foot like she was auditioning for a speed-drumming contest. "Where. Is. That. D-rank?"

Howl stretched lazily beside her. "Relax, Seraphina. You just got here two minutes ago."

Seraphina scoffed, arms crossed. "Yeah, but at least I didn't show up like it's a fashionably late brunch. She's already slowing us down and we haven't even left yet."

Riley chimed in, deadpan. "Maybe she got lost in her own panic attack."

Daphne came sprinting up the docks, hair a mess, breathing like she'd just outrun a pack of wolves.

"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I swear I didn't mean to be late!"

Howl turned with a calm, easygoing smile. "Relax. You're here, that's what matters. Besides..." -he checked his watch- "we're still one idiot short."

Right on cue, a voice rang out from behind, full of swagger:

"Ladies and gents! The fun has arrived!.. Sorry I'm late traffic wasn't easygoing today!"

Everyone turned to see Brandon, sunglasses on indoors, flipping a snack bar in one hand like he just walked off a red carpet.

Seraphina crossed her arms. "Brandon, there's no traffic inside a high-security assassin facility!"

Brandon gasped, feigning offense. "You're telling me that teleport jam at the East Hall doesn't count? Shame on you."

His eyes finally landed on Daphne. "Wait... is that a D-Rank? We got baby assassins on this mission now?"

Seraphina nearly exploded. "Oh my God, Brandon, were you even at the briefing yesterday?!"

Brandon shrugged. "Mentally? No. Spiritually? Also no."

He then spotted Jason standing nearby and sauntered over like he'd just spotted his best man at a wedding.

"Jay-Jay! My cold-hearted brother in arms! Why didn't you wait for me?"

Jason shot him a stare cold enough to freeze sunlight. "I don't remember ever being close enough to you to wait."

Brandon clutched his chest dramatically. "You wound me! Jason, after all we've been through-"

Jason turned away mid-sentence. Conversation: TERMINATED

Brandon pouted, then turned to the group with a spark of curiosity. "Hey, real talk... that kid we're supposed to 'adopt'-Liam, right? Don't y'all think he kinda looks like Jay-Jay?"

Howl chuckled. "Actually, yeah. The kid's got the same gloomy 'I-hate-everything' energy."

"Right?!" Brandon grinned. "If Liam had silver hair, I'd swear Jason cloned himself out of spite."

Jason didn't even flinch. "If you're done comparing me to a 10-year-old, maybe focus on not getting killed."

Suddenly, the air shifted-heels clicked against the dock floor.Raven arrived, as poised as ever, with Ava right behind her.

Ava smirked when she spotted Jason. "Well, well... if it isn't Mr. Ice Cube himself. Miss me, Jay?"

Jason didn't even blink. "Like a knife to the ribs."

Ava grinned wider. "Still sharp. I love that."

Howl muttered, "Great. They're flirting again."

Daphne just stared at them all like she'd stepped into a reality show titled

"Assassins Gone Wild."

Ava pouted dramatically, folding her arms. "Oh come on, Jason... is that any way to treat an old friend?"

Jason didn't even glance her way. "You didn't come all the way out here just to say hi. What do you want?"

She smirked, leaning in just a bit. "Still sharp. I'll give you that. I'm honestly impressed-you, of all people, climbing to S-Rank. Who would've guessed the brat with a death wish would turn into a top-tier killer?"

Jason allowed himself a thin smirk. "What's more impressive is watching an SS-Rank nap her days away."

Ava's grin twitched. "You picking a fight with me, Jay?"

"Just offering you a chance to stretch those lazy limbs," he said coolly. "Or are you afraid of losing to a so-called S-Rank?"

That struck a nerve.

"Oh, that does it-"

Before she could pounce, Raven stepped between them like a blade of cold steel. "Enough," she said flatly. "This isn't the place. The plane's arriving any minute."

As if on cue, the console blinked red. The plane's AI buzzed: "Approaching target zone."

They boarded the aircraft without another word.

Later, seated away from the others, Ava leaned closer to Raven and asked in a low voice, "Alright, drop the act. Why is she really on this mission?"

Raven smiled without warmth. "You never miss a beat, do you?"

"Daphne's a fresh D-Rank. Can barely hold a blade, much less survive a ghost operation. She's the worst in her class-if she dies out there, it'll save the agency the embarrassment. No one will ask questions."

Ava raised a brow, grinning. "Still playing chess with people's lives, huh?"

Raven's voice dropped, dark and smooth. "Why waste resources dragging out the inevitable? A broken weapon is better lost on the field than left rusting in storage."

Ava chuckled under her breath. "You're still sly as ever."

"And you're still entertained," Raven replied.

They both looked toward Daphne, sitting quietly across the cabin.

"Let's see how long she lasts, then again she might not even make it to Saint Lucian" Ava muttered.

Raven smirked. "The clock's ticking."

INT. PLANE - NIGHT - EN ROUTE TO SAINT LUCIAN

The hum of the aircraft filled the silence. Everyone sat spread out, like strangers forced into a temporary truce. Jason leaned against the window, arms crossed. Brandon casually plopped down next to him, popping gum like he owned the plane.

Howl sat a row behind them, head back, eyes closed but listening. Across the aisle, Daphne sat near the window, tense but quiet. Riley and Seraphina flanked her, like wolves circling prey.

Eventually seraphina couldn't help herself "So..." she said loud enough for everyone to hear "anyone wanna bet on how long the D-rank lasts before getting herself killed"

Howl, without looking up "How about we bet on how long you'll keep your mouth shut!"

Seraphina rolled her eyes, leaning back in her seat. "Wow, Howl. Still playing the knight? I wonder how long you can keep that little mask on before it slips." Her eyes flicked toward Daphne, her voice mocking. "You must be feeling all special now that Sir Howl of the Saviors is on your side. But I wouldn't bet my card on him if I were you. Then again... I'd never be you."

Daphne didn't flinch. Just stared out the window, lost in the clouds.

That silence,

That calm,

It burned seraphina alive.

"Did that D-rank just ignore me?" she snapped, turning to Riley. "After I was so generous to give her an advice?"

"She's getting cocky," Riley replied, eyes still on the floor, voice flat. "A little reminder might do her some good. Just enough pain to teach her her place."

They both stood. Riley's voice dropped to a murmur. "We should teach the dog how to sit."

Seraphina chuckled darkly. "And what's a dog without a chain?"

Before Daphne could react, they grabbed her by the arm. She barely got a word out before Riley cut her off.

"Oh, shut up. You talk too much."

They started to drag her toward the back of the plane when a hand caught Seraphina's wrist mid-motion. It was cold. Firm. Unshaking.

Howl.

His eyes weren't kind now. They were still.

"What do you think you're doing?" he asked, his tone calm enough to chill bone.

Seraphina looked up at him with a smirk. "Come on, Howl. Don't pretend anymore. We're not at the agency. You don't have to play their sweet little poster boy out here."

"You can do whatever you want now," Riley added with a grin. "No rules, no eyes. Not unless you're actually protecting her."

Howl didn't speak. He simply looked down.

And then he laughed.

It wasn't the charming, collected chuckle they were used to. It was dark. Sharp. And it didn't stop right away. When he finally looked up again, his face had changed.

Gone was the calm, warm expression.

This was someone else entirely.

"You're right," he said, smiling wide. "I don't have to hide it anymore."

Everyone froze. Even Brandon looked up from his seat, tension rising.

Howl turned to Daphne, and the look in his eyes made her heart stop. There was nothing kind in them-only fire behind a steel mask.

"You have no idea how hard it's been," he said softly. "Every single day. Watching you walk around like some trembling little lamb, and resisting the urge to break you into pieces just to hear what kind of sound you'd make."

Seraphina took a step back, uneasy now. "Howl-"

He ignored her. His voice grew darker.

"You think I helped you because I care? No. I wanted to see how long you'd last. I wanted to see if you'd cry, beg, scream. There's an art to it, you know-watching hope rot. Watching someone try to rise when the world's already decided they should fall."

He stepped closer to Daphne.

"And now... now that we're not at the agency, I can do whatever I want. No chains. No eyes. Just me... and you."

Daphne, hands trembling, sank slowly into her seat. Her lungs burned-only then did she realize she'd been holding her breath. The man standing in front of her... wasn't the same kind-hearted Howl she'd spoken to back at the agency. His warmth was gone-replaced by something darker. Something twisted.

Howl leaned in close, his voice low and venomous. "You know," he murmured, his eyes locked on hers, "I've been thinking... when we get to Saint Lucian, there's a pretty good chance the enemy captures you. And when they do... they won't kill you quickly. No, they'll break you-piece by piece. Maybe start with your fingers. Or your voice box. Depends on their mood."

Daphne's breath caught in her throat. Her entire body screamed at her to run, but her legs refused to move.

Howl's grin widened, almost gleeful. "Honestly? I should just do them a favor... and kill you now."

Without warning, he flipped a hidden dagger from his sleeve-its curved, blackened edge gleaming like a predator's tooth. In one swift motion, he lunged forward-

CLANG!

Steel met steel with a screech of sparks. Howl's blade was knocked off course mid-swing.

Jason stood between them, dagger drawn, eyes locked onto Howl like a hunter watching prey. His stance was solid, unmoving.

"No one's dying on my plane," Jason growled, his eyes locked onto Howl like a predator sizing up another apex beast. His voice was calm-but deadly. The kind of calm that came before a storm ripped through everything in its path.

"I knew something was off about you. But this?" His blade still buzzed faintly with energy. "This is just pathetic."

Howl took a small step back, lips curling into a twisted grin. He raised both hands lazily. "Relax, Jason. I was just playing," he said, voice dripping with mockery. "Can't take a joke?"

Jason's glare didn't waver. "Try that again. Let's see if I laugh while you bleed."

A flicker of something dark flashed in Howl's eyes as he slowly turned away-but then he spun back, his face now twisted with something far more sinister.

"You know, Jason..." he snarled, voice low and venomous, "just because Raven put you in charge doesn't mean you get to dictate who I kill. You're not my leash."

Before Jason could speak, Seraphina stood, arms crossed, clearly bored. "Yeah, Jason," she echoed with a scoff. "Quit acting all righteous. Let him finish the job-we all know she's deadweight."

Riley leaned back in her seat, smirking. "She's right. Better a quick death now than a slow one when the real fighting starts. Think of it as mercy killing."

That was it.

Jason stood still-but the pressure in the room shifted. The air grew heavier. Cold. Oxygen felt harder to breathe.

A split second later-BOOM-the dagger in Jason's hand slammed into the wall beside Riley's face, the blade quivering from the force. Everyone froze.

Jason's eyes glowed with barely controlled rage, voice now like cold steel.

"Say. One. More. Word. I dare you."

Even Howl tensed. Seraphina's smirk vanished. Riley's hand twitched near her weapon-but she thought better of it.

Jason's footsteps echoed like war drums as he stepped forward, slow and heavy. The air thickened-his bloodlust spilling out like a wave of pressure, sharp enough to choke on. Even the lights above seemed to dim under it.

He didn't raise his voice. He didn't have to.

"This is what S-Ranks do now?" he said coldly, his eyes like twin blades. "Three against one... and you call yourselves elite?"

His glare locked onto Howl, then slid to Seraphina and Riley, unblinking. "No discipline. No control. Just animals playing soldier."

The temperature felt like it dropped ten degrees. His killing intent wrapped around the cabin like a storm.

"Keep acting like this," Jason muttered, "and I won't need a mission to put you down."

No more words. Just silence-and the feeling that death had passed by.

No one spoke.

Slowly, without another word, Howl turned and slinked back to his seat. Seraphina followed, eyes twitching, and Riley gave Daphne one last glare before backing off.

Jason exhaled, turned, and walked silently back to his own seat.

Daphne sat frozen-her heart thudding against her ribs. Her hands trembled as she stared at the dagger still embedded in the wall. That... was almost meant for someone's throat.

Just then, Brandon casually slid into the seat beside her, holding two cans of soda like nothing just happened.

"Sooo... you always bring this much drama on field trips, or is today special?" he grinned.

Daphne blinked, still shaken.

Brandon popped a can open. "Don't worry. If anyone else pulls a knife, I'll block it with my sparkling personality."

Despite everything, Daphne let out the tiniest laugh. Brandon winked.

"Welcome to hell with extra legroom."

Daphne sat in silence, still shaken. Brandon plopped down beside her, flashing a sheepish grin.

"Yeeaah... sorry about the circus act back there," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "They get dramatic when bored. You okay?"

She turned to him slowly, her voice low but firm.

"You're asking if I'm okay? I almost got stabbed. I know I'm just a D-rank, but this is insane..." Her voice cracked slightly.

Brandon winced. "Yeah, valid. That was definitely not in the agency handbook." He leaned in, lowering his voice like he was sharing a juicy secret. "But hey, Jason stepping in? That was kinda my doing."

Daphne blinked. "Wait... what?"

Brandon smirked. "Yup. I told him if he saved you, I'd leave him alone for a whole day. No jokes, no hugs, no surprise karaoke. He caved instantly."

She squinted. "You bribed him with silence?"

"Exactly. My silence is priceless," he said proudly, pointing at himself with both thumbs.

Daphne laughed a little despite herself. "But... why didn't you help me?"

Brandon shrugged dramatically. "Because I'm not legally allowed to fight before noon. Kidding. Honestly, I'm more like... a weapon without a user. Pointless unless someone swings me."

Daphne looked at him, something soft in her eyes. "You're not a weapon, Brandon. You're more than that. You're kind. And... funny. And you helped me, even if it was in your weird Brandon way."

Brandon blinked as her face got closer. "Uh..."

"Seriously, thank you," she said with a soft smile.

He turned red instantly and leaned away like she'd just ignited. "Cool cool cool. Uh-did you have to get so close, though? I might combust or something."

Daphne tilted her head, confused. "What?"

"Nothing! Absolutely nothing." He sat rigid, pretending to stare at a very interesting screw on the wall.

Daphne smirked. "You're so weird."

Brandon beamed. "And proud."

They were still laughing when Howl appeared like a bad plot twist.

"Hey, Daphne," he said with a charming smile that didn't match the earlier threat. "About earlier... sorry if I scared you. But hey, if you ever feel lonely, I'm always around." He winked and walked off like he hadn't just tried to murder her a few minutes ago.

Daphne's smile vanished. Her chest tightened.

She stood up quickly. "I need some air," she mumbled, turning away.

Brandon gently caught her wrist. "Hey... maybe now's not the best time to be alone."

Daphne gave a forced smile and carefully slipped out of his grasp. "I'm fine," she said, her voice soft, then disappeared toward the bathroom.

Brandon watched her go, guilt and worry twisting in his chest. Can you blame her? After everything, trusting anyone seemed like a luxury.

Three hours passed.

The others were half-asleep or fully out cold, but Brandon kept glancing toward the back of the plane. No sign of her.

Finally, he slipped over to Jason and whispered, "Psst... hey, you up?"

Jason sighed thinking 'of course a deal like that wouldn't keep Brandon away " I am now what do you want"

Brandon leaned in like he was sharing top-secret intel. "It's Daphne. She's still in the bathroom."

Jason gave a deadpan stare. "And?"

"I dunno, man. She could be hungry... or passed out... or DEAD." Brandon threw in some jazz hands for dramatic effect.

Jason sighed. "Get to the point before I make you actually disappear."

"I saved her some leftovers." Brandon held out a neatly wrapped box like it was a peace offering. "Can you go give it to her?"

Jason glared. Brandon grinned.

"I know that look. You're thinking, 'What's in it for me?'"

"No," Jason replied, deadpan. "I'm thinking I should've let Howl stab you instead."

Jason rolled back over. Brandon huffed. "Fine. Guess I'll just call you Jay-Jay all the way back to HQ."

Jason froze. "Where's the leftovers."

Jason knocked on the bathroom door, clearing his throat awkwardly.

"Hey... you in there?" No answer.

He waited a few seconds, then muttered, "I'm coming in. Don't scream."

He pushed the door open slowly. There, curled up on the floor, was Daphne-fast asleep. Her arms wrapped around her knees, her cheeks stained from dried tears.

Jason crouched beside her and studied her quietly.

"Cried yourself to sleep, huh?" Jason muttered, his voice low and unreadable. He brushed a strand of hair from her face with two fingers, gaze sharp. "You're really bad at pretending you're strong."

Her eyes suddenly snapped open, locking onto his.

He didn't flinch. "Relax. If I wanted to kill you, you wouldn't have woken up at all."

Daphne, ignoring his calm demeanor, jolted upright and shot him a fiery glare.

"PERVERT!" she snapped, scrambling back like he'd lit a fuse under her.

Her face was burning red, hair a mess, breath uneven. Jason just raised a brow, clearly unbothered.

Jason tried to keep his composure, voice low and dry. "Relax. It's not what you think."

Daphne blinked, finally registering who it was-and what she'd just yelled. Her face turned crimson. "I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean that, it was just- I was having this weird dream."

Jason raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Weird enough to wake up screaming pervert?"

She immediately turned her face away, hiding the heat rushing to her cheeks. "Y-you don't need to know the details..."

Jason gave a slight smirk but said nothing.

Daphne, still trying to get a grip, sniffed the air-and paused. Her eyes widened. "Wait... is that... fried rice?"

Jason held up the container like it was some kind of peace offering. "Courtesy of Brandon. He begged me to deliver it. Honestly, I preferred the dream version of this conversation."

Jason tossed her the food. "Eat it. Then go back to sleep. Or cry some more. Whatever you do, stop making Brandon worry. It's exhausting."

Daphne watched him as he turned to leave then whispered "thanks".

"Don't mention it. Seriously-don't. And try not to sleep on the floor again-we don't need a corpse before the mission even starts," Jason said, his voice calm but sharp as a blade.

Daphne gave a small tired smile. "Let me guess... Brandon told you to say that too?"

Jason was already at the door, glancing over his shoulder. "No. That one was all me finish that and get some sleep you'll need both."

Daphne watched him walk out, her heart weirdly pounding.

"...Stupid cool guy exit," she muttered under her breath.

Daphne stared after him for a moment, her expression unreadable. She finished the fried rice in silence, then stepped out, glancing around the dimly lit plane. That's when she spotted Brandon, subtly motioning her over. She hesitated... then gave in. She was exhausted, and his presence oddly comforting.

"You sure took your time," Brandon teased with a tired grin.

"Yeah... sorry about that," Daphne murmured, already slumping into the seat beside him. Her head gently fell onto his shoulder, and within seconds, she was asleep.

Brandon blinked, face flushing faintly, then relaxed. "Guess I'll get some sleep too," he whispered, closing his eyes.

Meanwhile-miles away-on a secured comm-line deep within Saint Lucian's dark networks, a shadowy figure stood alone in an unlit room.

The voice was cold, calculated. "You're about to have... unexpected visitors."

On the other end, the mercenary commander stiffened. "Who is this? How do you know that?"

The figure ignored the question. "S-Rank assassins are on their way to your base. And... they're not alone."

A pause. Then- "What are you talking about?"

The figure leaned forward, lips curling into a wicked grin. "Vortex is with them."

Silence. Then panic.

"V...Vortex? You mean-the Vortex?!"

"He's with them. This may be your only chance to erase him from existence," the voice whispered like a curse. "Don't waste it."

The line cut abruptly.

The figure turned to the window, watching the storm clouds roll in over the city.

"Let's see how far you've come, Jason," the voice murmured in the darkness. "I want to see if the rumors... are true."

"APPROACHING TARGET ZONE. ETA: 30 MINUTES."

The automated voice jolted them awake. Jason stood, eyes sharp, and signaled everyone to gather. He didn't raise his voice-he never had to. The weight of what was ahead did all the talking.

After the quick rundown of the infiltration plan, the group slowly scattered to prepare. But Daphne stayed behind, her mind spinning.

This plan... it feels too smooth. Too clean. Where's the chaos? The unexpected? And why does it feel like I'm just... background?She sighed and finally stepped forward.

"Jason," she called quietly.

He turned, cool.

"I just-if this plan goes south... shouldn't we have a Plan B?"

Jason's gaze lingered on her for a second longer before turning away.

"There is a Plan B."

Daphne blinked. "Then why wasn't I-?"

"You might not survive long enough to need it," he said bluntly, already walking away.

It hit her like a slap. "You arrogant-!"

Brandon grabbed her shoulder with a grin before she could follow. "Relax, he's not serious... mostly." He leaned in. "Come on, I'll fill you in on Plan B."

After the full explanation, they both turned toward the screens showing a grainy surveillance image of a boy-Liam, their target.

Brandon whistled low. "Damn... kid looks just like Jason. If Jason ever had a clone with black hair."

Daphne raised a brow. "Let's hope he doesn't share the attitude."

Their plane touched down moments later, wheels skimming across a snow-bitten runway hidden deep in a forest. The cold seeped through the walls like a warning.

They were near the mansion now.

No turning back. The mission had officially begun.

As the ramp hissed open, wind blasted in-sharp, dry, and merciless. Snow crunched under their boots as the team stepped off the plane, their eyes narrowing against the blinding white stretch of wilderness ahead.

Jason led, his coat flaring behind him like a shadow. "Stay sharp," he muttered without looking back. "No unnecessary chatter. We don't know what's waiting for us."

Brandon followed, adjusting the strap of his rifle. "Creepy place. Bet the walls whisper at night."

Daphne stuck close, trying not to shiver-whether from the cold or the nerves, even she wasn't sure. Her eyes locked on the distant silhouette of the mansion, barely visible through the trees. Black. Monolithic. Silent.

Howl, walking at the rear, let out a low chuckle. "Feels like home already."

Seraphina rolled her eyes. "Try not to stab anyone before we get inside."

They split into formation as rehearsed-Jason, Daphne, and Brandon taking point while the others circled wide to flank. The snow muffled their steps, but the tension in the air was loud enough to choke on.

As they neared the mansion's frozen iron gates, Daphne's fingers brushed against her concealed blade. She stole a glance at Jason, who hadn't said a word since they landed.

He stopped without warning.

A sharp whistle cut through the cold-then gunfire.

"Down!" Jason barked, tackling Daphne behind a snow-dusted boulder just as bullets ripped through the space where they'd been standing.

Brandon dove to cover beside them, gritting his teeth. "Well, so much for subtle."

Jason peeked over the rock, eyes narrowing. "Snipers. Two at least. South wing. Suppressed rounds. Professional."

From the tree line, Riley's voice crackled through the comms. "They're already set up. Either we walked into a trap, or they've been watching this place longer than we thought."

"Howl?" Jason asked sharply.

A dark laugh echoed back. "Oh, don't worry. I'm already inside."

Jason's eye twitched. "Of course he is."

Brandon nudged Daphne. "You good?"

She nodded, catching her breath. "Yeah. Just wondering how we're adopting a kid in the middle of a gunfight."

Jason's voice cut in coldly. "You don't. You survive the gunfight. Then you get the kid."

With that, he sprang from cover, flanking wide through the snow with terrifying precision. Brandon followed, firing cover shots while motioning Daphne to stay low.

Inside the mansion, Howl moved like a ghost, already dismantling a guard with quiet efficiency. His eyes gleamed in the dim corridor as he whispered to himself, "Let's see how long this house of lies holds up."

Back outside, Daphne pressed herself against the cold stone wall near the back entrance. Her breath hitched as Jason appeared beside her, flicking blood from his blade.

He didn't look at her.

"Stay close. Don't slow me down."

Daphne narrowed her eyes, heart pounding. "I won't."

And together, they slipped inside. The real mission had begun.

The mansion's interior was dim-flickering chandeliers above, velvet drapes swaying slightly from broken windows, and an eerie silence layered over everything like dust.

Jason moved ahead with silent confidence, every footstep calculated. Daphne stayed close, gripping the dagger Brandon had given her. Her heartbeat echoed in her ears, but her steps didn't falter.

Brandon joined them seconds later, whispering, "East wing's clear. Howl's somewhere up ahead. Riley and Seraphina are circling from the west."

Jason nodded. "Then we corner them from both ends."

A sudden crash echoed through the halls. Then silence.

Daphne whispered, "That sounded like glass."

Jason responded with a deadly calm, "Sounded like bait."

They turned a corner-and stopped.

They stepped into the room-and there it was.

A golden artifact, flawless and untouched, standing alone on an ornate table beneath a shaft of light. It shimmered unnaturally, like it wanted to be noticed.

"Way too perfect," Jason muttered. His eyes narrowed. They think this is our target... They're baiting us.

Daphne took one cautious step forward.

Jason's voice snapped through the silence-"No, wait-!"

Click.

A soft sound. Then chaos.

Daphne's eyes shot to the ceiling. Panels slid open. Auto-turrets dropped like fangs from above.

Jason lunged, grabbing her by the arm and hurling her behind a pillar as bullets tore through the air. Sparks exploded. Stone chipped. Brandon dove and rolled beside them.

"Kill room!" he shouted, clutching his rifle. "Why is it always a kill room?!"

Jason pressed his comm. "Howl! We found some artifact-but the entire hallway's rigged!"

Static.

Then came Howl's voice-unbothered and borderline amused:

"Ah. You tripped it. I was wondering how long it'd take. Sit tight-I'll kill the lights."

Brandon reloaded. "Think he'll actually do it?"

Jason pulled a throwing knife from his belt, eyes fixed on the turret blinking overhead. "We don't have the luxury to doubt him. Cover me."

Daphne clutched her dagger tighter, heart racing. Her eyes flicked to the artifact. Still glowing. Still untouched. Still wrong.

Then-click.

The power cut out.

Everything went black.

Silence.

Then a whisper of wind, the faint hum of a generator dying.

Emergency red lights flickered on as the backup kicked in. The turrets hung dead, smoke curling from their barrels.

Jason stood up slowly, eyes sweeping the area. "We're clear."

Moments later, the squad regrouped at the end of the corridor.

Howl strolled in first, smirking like he owned the place. "You're welcome for saving your asses. Again."

Jason shot him a cold glance. "It wouldn't have happened if you stayed in position like I said."

He turned sharply toward Daphne, voice low and deadly. "And you-stepping into an obvious trap? Next time, I'll let the turrets finish the job."

Daphne flinched, eyes to the floor. "I'm sorry..."

Seraphina folded her arms, leaning against a pillar. "Told you she was dead weight."

Jason ignored her.

Instead, he turned to Riley. "You picked anything up from the guards?"

Riley nodded. "Yeah. Eavesdropped on some chatter-apparently, the kid's not here. There's a safe house, few miles north. Liam's there-with his family."

Jason took a moment. Processing. Calculating.

Then he spoke, voice like a blade:

"Then we move. Now. Before they realize we're still breathing."

The team followed without a word.

And behind them, the golden artifact flickered... and cracked.

The wind howled outside the safe house, biting cold swirling through the trees as Jason and his squad crouched behind a snow-covered wall. The moonlight gave the mansion a silver hue-silent, still, and hostile.

Jason's voice was low, commanding. "We move in quiet. Split up, sweep the interior. No noise, no shadows."

His gaze flicked to Daphne. "You-watch the perimeter. Stay out of sight. If anyone comes or anything feels off, give the signal. Three taps on comms. No hero moves."

Daphne nodded, gripping her dagger, lips tight. "Got it."

"Howl, take east wing. Riley, upstairs. Brandon, you're with me. Seraphina-roof entry."

Everyone moved with swift precision, melting into the shadows like phantoms.

Jason paused just before heading in, turning one last time to Daphne. His unreadable expression flickered into something barely human-concern maybe-but he said nothing and vanished inside.

Daphne exhaled slowly and took her position by a shattered window overlooking the front path. Snowflakes drifted lazily, but her mind was sharp. Focused. Watching.

Inside, things weren't as quiet.

Jason slipped through the hall, knifing the back of a guard without hesitation, catching the body before it dropped. Brandon gave a low whistle. "Clean."

Jason replied coldly, "Focus."

Meanwhile, Seraphina climbed through the attic hatch, soundless, scanning for cameras. Riley moved like a shadow upstairs, already disabling sensors and mapping guard rotations. Howl, of course, left his own trail-whistling as he casually choked a man out behind a supply room door.

The dining room was dimly lit, the chandeliers casting long shadows across the polished wooden table. Liam sat stiffly at one side, isolated from the rest. His stepmother and stepsister sat to the left, chatting softly, while his father occupied the head of the table, silently observing him.

The fork in Liam's hand barely moved.

"Liam," his father's voice cut through the quiet like a blade. "You're not eating. Why?"

Liam sat up straighter, fumbling with his words. "Oh, I-uh-I'm not hungry, sir... I mean, Dad."

His father's eyes narrowed. "Look at me when you speak. If you can't even hold your father's gaze, how do you plan to survive in this world?"

Liam swallowed, forcing his eyes upward.

Just then, a guard entered and leaned into the father's ear, whispering something low.

The father frowned. "Hmm. I see. Wrap that up quickly."

Liam's mother looked over, concerned. "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing. Minor issue with some staff. It's being handled," he said smoothly.

Liam took that as his cue. "I think I'll head to bed now. Goodnight, Mom... Dad."

"Go," the father said without looking at him.

As Liam walked the hall toward his room, the air felt... off. Too quiet. He paused.

His eyes caught something-a foot sticking out from the corner.

He rushed over.

A guard was down. Still breathing, but out cold.

That was when a hand clamped around his wrist like steel.

"Caught ya," came a voice right beside him-low, amused, dangerous.

Liam snapped his head up-Howl stood over him, grinning like a devil, his golden eyes gleaming in the dim corridor light.

Liam gasped, trying to pull away, but Howl leaned in close.

"Don't scream, kid. Wouldn't want to wake the whole house, would we?"

The hunt had begun.

Howl had the boy slung over his shoulder, swaggering through the blood‑streaked hallway like he owned the place. Then the shot echoed.

BAM!

A round tore through the air, burying itself into Howl's shoulder. He froze mid‑stride.

"Finally," came the voice behind him-cold, precise.

Aiden, a towering commander of the guards, stood over them, gun still smoking. "Thought I'd get a look at the monster that's been cutting down my men like pigs."

Howl turned slowly. A smile curled on his lips-unnatural, fluid. His eyes glowed with something feral.

"Finally something fun," he whispered, voice soft, dripping menace.

Aiden's jaw dropped. "Is... is this guy even human? I knew I hit him. How is he still moving?"

Around them the guards flooded in, assault rifles raised. Howl dropped to one knee-calm-and pointed at them with his free hand.

"Surrounded?" he said, voice like ice. "Perfect."

Aiden barked: "Liam! Get away-now!"

The boy staggered back, fear cracking his face. Howl didn't move. Didn't flinch.

---

Outside, in the frozen underbrush, Daphne crouched low, rifle at the ready. Snow drifted around her like ghost smoke. Figures approached-, no uniforms, precise movements like predator wolve, She know what she had to do!

Three taps. Jason's comm crackled.

His voice over the shortwave: "Signal."

Brandon's whisper: "You think she's in trouble?"

Jason didn't hesitate:

"No. I think we are."

His tone flat. Deadly.

Brandon and Jason were encircled now-four shadows surrounding two. Jason cracked a grin, low and cold.

"Assassins," he said.

"Go...I'll hold them off."

He launched forward in one fluid motion-blade flashed, first attacker went down before he even landed.

Liam's family remained seated in the dining room, unaware of the chaos erupting just rooms away. The tension was thick, but the calm shattered as a guard burst in, breath ragged.

"Sir! We're under atta-"

CRACK.

A single, sharp sound - and blood sprayed across the marble floor. The guard dropped like a stone, eyes wide in shock. Standing behind him was Brandon, crouched low, one hand gripping the hilt of a still-warm blade embedded in the man's spine.

He rose slowly, unbothered, brushing invisible dust from his gloves.

"Hmm," he muttered, eyes locking onto the family at the table - Liam's father frozen in disbelief, Hannah trembling beside her stepmother.

Brandon stepped forward, boots silent. His gaze swept the room like a hawk.

"No kid," he said, voice cold. "Looks like I'm in the wrong room."

He stepped over the corpse with eerie grace. "Guess I'll check the next one. Don't wait up."

And just like that, he vanished into the hall.

Panic finally cracked the room open.

Another guard charged in seconds later, wild-eyed.

"Sir, we have to go now-before he comes back!"

Liam's father snapped out of his shock. "R-Right. Gather the others. Move!"

But the mother stood her ground. "Wait-what about Liam?! My son is still in this house!"

Before anyone could answer, two new figures stepped into the room. Not guards - not by the way they moved. Their black, close-fitted combat suits were marked with subtle symbols. Their steps were too controlled. Calculated. Trained.

One was a tall woman with braided hair and a curved dagger at her side. The other, a lean man with sharp eyes scanning every exit.

The woman spoke, cool and direct.

"Ma'am, we're with the Shadow Recon Unit. Your son is a priority asset. We'll extract him safely."

The mother's breath hitched, but she nodded. "Please... bring him back."

The man gave a curt nod. "On our lives."

As the family was escorted out, the house around them rumbled faintly - distant gunfire echoing through the walls.

Liam's time was running out.