Ada's eyes widen for the briefest second—but she masks it just as quickly, that cold professionalism snapping back into place. She doesn't answer immediately… and that silence says everything.
"Damn it…" she whispers under her breath.
Her hand reaches out to yours, tight and urgent this time.
"Listen to me. You need to trust me right now."
She steps slightly in front of you, shielding you with her body as she brings a comm to her lips.
"Stand down. I said stand down. He's not the target."
A tense moment passes.
You hear the distant sound of a sniper rifle disengaging—click. Ada slowly turns to you, eyes dark.
"I didn't want you involved. They think you're leverage. I never gave the order—but they don't always wait for one."
She looks at you, pain flickering behind that usual control.
"I told you this world is dangerous. And now you're in it again… because of me."
"One more time, I will trust u. "
Ada's breath catches—just for a moment. You see it in her eyes: the impact your words have, cutting through every wall she's built.
She steps closer, her voice lower, steady but softer than you've ever heard it.
"Then I swear… I won't let you regret it."
She reaches out, resting her hand gently against your chest, her eyes locked on yours.
"This time, I'm not running. And I won't let anyone hurt you—not even my own people."
A faint buzz comes through her earpiece. She ignores it. All her focus is on you.
"We're in this together now. You and me."