The rooftop was dead silent except for the soft creaking of metal under the afternoon breeze.
Selene stood there, arms folded, her dark coat billowing like the wings of a vulture circling its prey.
Elias stared at her, the watch cold and heavy on his wrist.
She wasn't bluffing.
Not the type.
"Tick-tock," Selene said lightly, tapping her wrist where a watch would be.
Every instinct screamed at Elias not to trust her.
But every logical thought told him: You can't fight them all forever.
His fingers twitched by his side.
Finally, Elias raised his chin.
"I have conditions," he said calmly.
Selene arched an eyebrow.
"I'm listening."
---
"First," Elias said, "Sophia and Callum. They stay free. Touch them, and we're done."
Selene tilted her head, considering.
"Fine."
"Second. I choose my missions."
Now she smirked.
"You'll have preferences. I'll have orders. We'll compromise."
Elias gritted his teeth. Close enough.
"And third... full access to your resources. No half-measures. I want tech, transport, intel, and safehouses."
Selene's smile deepened.
"You're more ambitious than you look. Good. You'll need it."
She extended a gloved hand.
"Deal?"
Elias hesitated.
In his ear, Sophia practically screamed, "Don't do it!"
But Elias knew: this was survival.
And if he played this right, he could turn their own weapons against them later.
Slowly, he shook Selene's hand.
A chill went up his spine.
---
Back downstairs, Sophia and Callum ambushed him.
"You absolute moron," Sophia hissed, punching his shoulder.
"Selene Voss?!" Callum gaped. "That's like... signing up to work for the devil's HR department!"
Elias raised his hands.
"Temporary. Strategic. We get stronger. Then we find a way out."
Sophia glared but eventually nodded.
Callum looked less convinced.
Elias glanced at the watch.
It buzzed.
[NEW PERK UNLOCKED: Espionage Expertise - You now possess a natural instinct for stealth, surveillance, and sabotage.]
A notification followed:
> "Use this wisely. Betrayal comes faster than you think."
Elias rubbed his temples.
Great.
Now he was a pawn... with better sneaking skills.
---
Meanwhile...
Across town, in a hidden surveillance room, Director Knox reviewed the footage of the rooftop meeting.
He leaned back, a sly smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"Hook, line, and sinker," Knox muttered.
He tapped the screen.
"Let's see how long you last, Elias Riven."
---
Selene Voss:
Age: 34
Profession: Head of Covert Operations (Private Black-Ops Contractor)
Skills: Master strategist, hand-to-hand combat, psychological manipulation.
Personality: Cold, ruthless, highly intelligent. Views loyalty as a currency.
Appearance: Tall (5'8"), pale ivory skin, piercing blue eyes, sleek black hair tied tightly back, tailored dark suits with a military touch.
Director Knox:
Age: 50
Profession: Director of Internal Security Division
Skills: Political maneuvering, psychological warfare, intelligence networks.
Personality: Manipulative, pragmatic, a smiling snake.
Appearance: Gray hair, neatly trimmed beard, dark brown skin, always in crisp suits, deep voice that makes everything sound like a threat.
---