Location: Damien's Private Jet – En Route to Volcrain
The engines hummed low as the sleek, black jet sliced through night clouds. Damien sat in the leather command chair, staring out the window. His reflection mirrored his thoughts—sharp, conflicted, focused.
Nora approached from the rear cabin, tablet in hand. "We've scrubbed the list twice. Only six agents passed the loyalty and psychological thresholds."
"Good. Bring them in under codenames. Total blackout protocols," Damien replied, still gazing at the stars.
She hesitated. "You're thinking about him, aren't you?"
He didn't respond.
"Whoever this 'ghost' is… they know more than just agency records. They know you. Your fears. Your scars. That's what makes this dangerous."
Damien turned to her, voice low. "It's not just about me anymore. If we don't end this soon, it spreads. Volcrain's not a battlefield—it's a test lab. And we're already late."
Just then, Lucas appeared on the overhead screen. "Boss, we've intercepted chatter. A contract was issued twenty minutes ago. High-level mercenary—goes by 'Ash Widow.' Confirmed kill list includes five generals and a prince."
Valerie's voice chimed in next. "And guess what? Her latest target… is Nora."
The silence was sharp and immediate.
Damien stood slowly. "Reroute the flight. No more subtlety. We strike first."
---
Location: Volcrain – Ash Widow's Safehouse
A woman dressed in obsidian armor inspected her weapons with clinical precision. Long silvery hair coiled down her back. Her eyes—piercing blue and emotionless—scanned a glowing tablet.
Target: Nora Langford.
Status: High Value. Terminate.
Compensation: 8.5 million, offshore.
She tapped confirm, sliding the tablet away. Her voice was smooth and deadly. "Time to bleed, pretty doctor."
---
Location: Underground Bunker, Volcrain Perimeter
The jet landed under total stealth protocol. Snow blew against Damien's coat as the hatch opened and his boots touched the cold ground. Beside him, Nora and Lucas exited, each armed and alert.
Valerie's voice buzzed in their comms. "I've tracked Ash Widow's thermal signature to Grid 5B. Two clicks east. She's already on the move."
Nora loaded her pistol. "Then let's welcome her properly."
Damien nodded. "No more shadows. Tonight, we hunt."