Seojin's grip on the encrypted device tightened. Her father's words echoed in her mind.
"Your mother is alive."
"You have to infiltrate the Council's inner sanctum."
"Destroy them from the inside, and you'll have her back."
Her pulse pounded as she stared at the small device in her hands. Every instinct screamed at her that this was a trap—another one of her father's twisted games.
But if there was even the slightest chance that her mother was alive…
Could she afford to ignore it?
She exhaled sharply, lifting her gaze to meet her father's. "If she's alive, I want proof."
Her father's lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "Of course you do."
He gestured to the device in her hands. "Plug that into a secure line, and you'll have your proof."
Seojin narrowed her eyes. "And if I refuse?"
Her father's expression didn't change. "Then the Council keeps her. And you'll never see her again."
A sharp chill ran down Seojin's spine.
This wasn't just about the Council anymore. This was personal.
And her father knew it.
Back at the safe house, Minji was awake, sitting up with a bandage wrapped around her waist. She winced slightly as she adjusted herself, but the fire in her eyes was still there.
"So let me get this straight," she muttered, staring at the device in Seojin's hands. "Your father wants you to work for the Council in exchange for your mom?"
Seojin nodded stiffly.
Minji scoffed. "And we're considering this why?"
Seojin clenched her jaw. "Because if there's even a chance she's alive, I need to know."
Kade, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke. "It's a setup."
Seojin looked at him. "I know."
Kade sighed. "Then what's the plan?"
Seojin's fingers curled around the device. "We play along. We let my father think we're on his side."
Minji frowned. "And then?"
Seojin's voice was cold. "Then we destroy the Council from the inside—on our terms."
Choi smirked from his spot near the window. "Now that's a plan I can get behind."
Minji shot him a glare. "Nobody asked you."
Choi chuckled but didn't argue.
Kade shook his head. "This is the most dangerous thing we've done."
Seojin met his gaze. "It's the only thing we can do."
Because one way or another, this was going to end.
And Seojin would burn the Council to the ground.
Two nights later, Seojin stood outside the Council's main headquarters—a fortress of glass and steel hidden within the heart of the city.
Her father had arranged for her to meet with the inner circle.
A test.
If she could convince them she was on their side, she'd get closer to their secrets. Closer to her mother.
But if she failed?
She'd die before she even got through the front door.
Minji's voice crackled in her earpiece. "I still think this is a terrible idea."
Seojin smirked slightly. "Noted."
Kade's voice followed. "We're in position. If anything goes wrong, we pull you out."
Seojin took a deep breath and stepped forward.
The glass doors slid open, and she was led inside by two armed guards. The air inside was cold, sterile. Every inch of the building screamed power.
And then—
She entered the boardroom.
Seated around a long, sleek table were six members of the Council.
Her father sat at the head. Beside him was Chairman Song—one of the most feared men in the underground world.
They all turned to look at her.
Calculating. Judging.
Seojin forced herself to remain calm.
Then, Chairman Song spoke.
"So," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "You want to join us?"
Seojin met his gaze without hesitation.
"No," she said. "I want to help you win."
End of Chapter 82