As the appointed time approached, we were in place. Alex had set his device in the storage area, and we waited in the shadows, tension palpable.
A muffled explosion echoed through the corridors, followed by the blare of alarms. Through our earpieces, we heard the chatter of guards responding to the disturbance.
“All units, report to sector 7G. Possible breach,” a voice crackled.
We watched as several guards hurried past our hiding spot, heading toward the source of the explosion.
“That’s our cue,” I whispered.
Isaiah’s shadows crept along the far wall, whispering unnatural sounds that sent a chill through the room.
Alex followed with subtle bursts of flame along the edges, making the flickering lights falter just enough to raise alarm.
One of the four guards that remained guarding the area stiffened. “Did you feel that?”
Another hesitated. “Magic interference?”
Elijah made his move next–tossing a small, enchanted stone into the corner. The moment it landed, it erupted with a low pulse of energy, like an impending magical surge.
The effect was immediate.
“Check the perimeter!” one of the guards ordered, and two moved toward the disturbance, leaving a single soldier behind to monitor the main console.
Perfect.
As they got closer Isaiah’s shadows swallowed them whole and just like that they disappeared. He transported them to another part of the building. The other remaining guy panicked seeing his friends disappear into thin air.
He never saw Elijah coming.
A quick tap to the back of his neck, and he slumped unconscious. And Elijah placed him gently onto the floor.
I worked fast, pressing his security rune to the console. The room opened, revealing a long hallway.
Elijah, Isaiah, and the twins moved to secure the perimeter, ensuring no one would interrupt my approach to the chamber.
I slipped through the now less–guarded hallway, my senses heightened looking out for any traps. Reaching the chamber door, I pressed myself against the wall, listening intently.
Hearing no movement inside, I cautiously entered, my eyes scanning for any sign of Lynne.
The artifact rested on a pedestal in the center of the room, bathed in a soft, ethereal glow. It was a small, ornate box, intricately designed and emanating a faint hum of energy.
I approached carefully, aware that such an obvious prize was likely protected by more than just physical barriers.
I stepped forward-
1/3
And froze.
A shift in the air.
A whisper of movement.
Then-
A blade at my throat.
“Well, well.” A familiar voice said.
I turned my head slightly, just enough to glimpse my attacker- Commander Lynne.
“Impressive plan, Stormi. But did you really think it would be that easy?”
“Commander Lynne,” I acknowledged, trying to keep my voice steady
She circled me slowly. “Your distraction was clever, and it did draw away most of the guards. But you underestimated me and now I’ve caught so you and your little mates have failed this simple task.
I swallowed hard, my mind racing for a way out.
Lynne continued, “However, I must commend your initiative. Few have managed to get this far.”
Damn it.
My mind raced. I had seconds to act before she sounded the alarm.
Think.
Taking a deep breath, I decided to take a gamble. “Then let me prove myself. One on one. If I can get past you and retrieve the artifact, we pass the trial.”
She raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “And if you fail?”
“Then we accept the consequences.”
A slow smile spread across her face. “Very well. Show me what you’ve got.”
Without warning, she lunged at me, her movements a blur. I barely had time to react, dodging to the side as her fist grazed my
shoulder.
I countered with a swift kick, which she deflected effortlessly. The room became a whirlwind of motion as we exchanged blows, each testing the other’s limits.
Despite her age, Lynne was incredibly fast and strong, her experience evident in every move. But I had agility and determination on my side.
As the fight wore on, I noticed a slight hesitation in her left side–a possible weakness.
Feigning a strike to her right, I quickly shifted and aimed a powerful kick at her left flank. The move caught her off guard, and she stumbled, giving me the opening I needed.
I darted past her, reaching for the artifact. My fingers closed around the cool metal, and I turned to face her, breathing heavily.
2/3
Lynne straightened a glint of pride in her eyes. “Well done, Stormi. You’ve proven your worth.”
I nodded, relief washing over me.
She approached, placing a hand on my shoulder. “Remember, in real missions, unexpected variables are the norm. Always be prepared to adapt.”
“Yes.”
As I rejoined my mates outside the chamber, their faces lit up with pride and relief.
“Got it?” Austin asked, eyes wild.
I grinned, despite the adrenaline still rushing through me. “Of course.”
“We did it,” Elijah said, pulling me into a tight embrace.
A portal opened and walked through finding ourselves standing in front of Eira and Commander Lynne who stood with her arms crossed.
For a long moment, they both said nothing, Commander Lynne’s gaze sweeping over us.
Then
A slow, approving nod.
“Well done.”
Isaiah arched a brow. “That’s it? No critique?”
Lynne smirked. “Oh, plenty. But we’ll get to that.” She turned to me. Your plan was solid. Your instincts were sharp.”
Then her expression darkened slightly.
“But you underestimated the unexpected.” Eira finished.
I exhaled. “Yeah. I got lucky.”
She nodded. “Next time, don’t rely on luck.”
I swallowed hard.
Because next time, there wouldn’t be a second chance.
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