The hallway was narrow, its walls lined with flickering torches that cast shadows on the ruler's and Michael's unreadable faces. They moved so calmly, as if they weren't being hunted—as if they already knew exactly what was coming.
But I couldn't afford to let my thoughts wander. My eyes continuously scanned the area, searching for the smallest sign of danger.
Then, I noticed one of my dark-cloaked comrades staring at me. His expression was strange—rigid, as if something was stirring beneath the surface, something he was trying to hide.
I never liked making quick judgments about others, but after the last two months, I had learned to read people. A crisis always reveals the truth. And right now, I could feel it: something was wrong.
The sound of footsteps echoed off the walls, getting closer. We rushed into a nearby room, but I knew this couldn't be a hiding place for long.
Their faces remained composed—calm, like royalty preparing for tea rather than a battle. Only I felt the turmoil twisting inside me. For a brief moment, I let my mind spiral, and before I could stop myself, I was glaring at my dark-cloaked comrade.
— If you know something, say it now! — My words burned through the silence.
He didn't even flinch. His cold, unreadable gaze met mine, as if he was waiting for orders. As if my accusations were nonsense. As if he truly didn't understand why I was questioning him.
— Don't just stand there! — I stepped closer, feeling the tension rising inside me. — If you have information, speak now!
The blonde general, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. He didn't look at me, only at the man, but his voice was so firm that the air itself seemed to tremble.
— You heard her. If you know something, say it.
The silence grew heavy, but we no longer had time to wait for an answer.
Our pursuers had found us.
From a distance, the sound of an unfamiliar army roared to life, and in an instant, chaos erupted.
It swirled around us as the intruders and the dark-cloaked warriors clashed. The first movements were precise, calculated—as if two old rivals were sizing each other up. But soon, the battle turned brutal.
The clash of blades, the thunder of heavy boots, and the sharp cries of combat filled the space. My team moved with disciplined precision, every action honed by years of training. But the enemy was relentless—fast, efficient, ruthless.
While the fight raged, Michael, the ruler, the general, a few others, and I pressed forward, cutting through the chaos.
When we reached the rear courtyard, the black SUVs were already waiting, just as planned.
But my focus was locked on one person.
I grabbed my dark-cloaked comrade, my grip firm and unyielding. The adrenaline sharpened my instincts, every sense on high alert. The more unpredictable the situation, the more something inside me snapped into place—a deep, visceral drive for justice.
I wouldn't let this go.
— You still haven't answered my question — I said, my voice low but commanding. — If you know something, then speak.
His eyes flickered, but he didn't falter. The ruler, Michael, and the general were already by the cars, so he took advantage of the moment when we were briefly alone.
Slowly, he turned to face me, staring into my eyes with a smirk.
— Don't tell me a rookie girl thinks she can interrogate me. — His voice was laced with mockery. — Who do you think you are?
I smiled. It wasn't a reassuring smile. It was small, sharp—like the edge of a blade.
— With that careless attitude, you've already betrayed yourself, my friend.
I tried to stir guilt in him, tried to pour all the weight of judgment into my gaze. But I could see it wouldn't work. His expression held no remorse, no fear—only the arrogance of a man who believed himself untouchable.
— You'd better start talking now. Trust me, the price you'll pay will be greater than you think.
He didn't take me seriously. Of course, he didn't. He was two meters tall; I was barely 165 cm. And I could see in his eyes—this was the only factor he considered.
He tilted his head and sneered.
— And who's going to punish me? You?
I took a slow breath, swallowing my anger, and asked coldly:
— Do you even understand what punishment awaits those who betray the angels? Do you fear it? Is it starting to sink in?
For a moment, he hesitated. Or pretended to.
Then he laughed—a harsh, ugly sound—and attacked.
And that was when everything changed.
I moved aside just in time; his strike cut through the air, and I instinctively lunged to counter. My body knew what to do. My muscles tensed, the world fell silent, leaving only the sharp clarity of movement. I heard the blows, the sounds, I observed every tiny shift. It was as if I could see into his mind, predicting his next move before he made it.
Then he pulled out a weapon. A modern, small, yet deadly blade. He moved lightning-fast, and before I could react, he drove it between my shoulder and neck.
I hissed loudly. The pain was sharp and searing, but I had no time to dwell on it. I had learned many things in the past two months, but I had never felt this before. And I didn't yet realize this would be the smallest pain I'd have to endure in the future.
The fight turned serious. There was no turning back now.