Chapter 5: Close Calls
Rain tapped against the windows of Mira's small apartment like a warning. She sat cross-legged on her floor, papers and photos scattered around her. Every thread she pulled led to more shadows. The anonymous messages were coming faster now, more threatening. But this time, she had something solid—a coded reference to "Operation Emberlight."
Her fingers hovered over her keyboard. This could be the break she needed.
At the same time, Cyan's encrypted phone lit up.
New Directive:
Subject Mira Solene may have access to Emberlight intel. Retrieve & erase trace. Maintain cover.
He closed his eyes for a second. He hadn't expected her to get this far this fast.
That evening, Mira stepped into the dim lobby of an old records building downtown. The air smelled of dust and secrecy. She was here to meet a whistleblower—someone who claimed to have knowledge about Emberlight.
What she didn't know was that Cyan was already inside.
Hidden in the shadows, Cyan watched her. Every move she made screamed curiosity—and danger. He had to make a choice. Interfere quietly... or let her dig and risk exposure.
As Mira approached the archive room, she found a folder slipped under the door. She bent to pick it up—just as a hand covered hers.
She looked up.
Cyan.
No fake name this time. No lies in his eyes.
"Why are you here?" she asked, her voice sharp but low.
"I should be asking you the same," he said.
"Looks like we're both chasing the same ghosts."
Cyan hesitated. Then, quietly, he said, "Some ghosts are better left buried."
But Mira wasn't letting go that easily.
And neither was the danger following them.
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