Sienna stood at the edge of the balcony, the cold wind biting into her skin, but she didn't feel it. She was numb. Numb to the pain, the fear, and the beauty of it all. Bishop had made her like this—like a machine that could take orders, follow through, and leave nothing but destruction in her wake.
Her eyes traced the skyline. She was always watching, always waiting, calculating. That's how she got the job—how she stayed alive. Bishop had given her everything she had now. She owed him that.
And yet…
There was a part of her that didn't feel anything for him. A part that wanted to destroy him just as much as she helped him destroy others. But that part was buried deep, a shadow she'd learned to silence.
She heard the sound of footsteps behind her. Without turning, she knew it was Bishop. Always. He was always there, like a dark cloud that followed her wherever she went.
"You've been quiet, Sienna," he said, his voice smooth like honey, but laced with an edge. "Are you feeling something?"
She didn't flinch. "I'm fine," she replied, her voice cool, detached. She was always careful around him. He was the kind of man who took everything. Even the pieces of you that you didn't want him to.
Bishop didn't respond right away. Instead, he moved closer, standing just behind her, his presence heavy and oppressive. She could feel the weight of his gaze even without turning.
"I know you're not fine," he said. "Don't lie to me."
Sienna gritted her teeth, forcing herself to remain still. She didn't want to give him an inch. Not now. Not ever.
But Bishop was right. She wasn't fine.
She wasn't sure what was happening, but for the first time in a long time, she felt a crack in her armor. A flicker of doubt. A hesitation.
She glanced at him briefly, and in that moment, she saw the monster beneath the mask. He wasn't just controlling her—he was feeding off of her, using her to complete his sick game. And the worst part was that she let him.
She looked away, eyes locked on the city. It was a warzone down there. A warzone that would never stop as long as Bishop was in control.
And for now, she had to play her part.
For now.