Marcellus's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I think you'll find my proposal...irresistible," he said, his voice dripping with confidence.
Kaid's instincts screamed warning, but he played along, curious about Marcellus's intentions. "I'm listening," he said, his voice neutral.
Marcellus leaned forward, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "I have a business proposition for you, Mr. Blackwood. One that requires your...particular skills."
Kaid's eyes narrowed. "What kind of proposition?"
Marcellus's smile faltered for a moment, revealing a glimmer of calculation. "I have a rival who needs to be...neutralized. Discreetly, of course."
Kaid's grip on his dagger tightened. This wasn't part of the job. "I'm not interested," he said, his voice firm.
Marcellus's eyes flashed with anger, but he regained control quickly. "I think you are," he said, his voice dripping with menace. "You see, I have something you want. Something you'll do anything to get."
Kaid's heart pounded in his chest as Marcellus revealed a small, intricately carved box. Inside, Kaid saw a lock of familiar hair, tied with a black ribbon.
"You're looking for someone," Marcellus said, his eyes glinting with triumph. "Someone who's been hidden from you for far too long. I can help you find them. For a price."
Kaid's world narrowed to a single focus: getting that box and finding out who Marcellus was talking about. He would do whatever it took.
Kaid's eyes locked onto the box, his mind racing with possibilities. Who was Marcellus talking about? And why did he have something that belonged to them?
"I'll do it," Kaid said, his voice low and even. "Whatever you want, I'll do it."
Marcellus's smile returned, wider than before. "I knew you'd see things my way," he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "You'll take care of my rival, and I'll give you the box. Simple as that."
Kaid nodded, his mind working overtime. He would play along, but he would also find a way to double-cross Marcellus. He had to know who was in that box, and he would do whatever it took to find out.
Lyra's eyes met Kaid's, a question mark in her gaze. Kaid's nod was almost imperceptible. They would play this out, but they would be ready.
Marcellus handed Kaid a folder containing information on his rival. Kaid's eyes scanned the pages, his mind racing with strategies.
"I'll take care of it," Kaid said, his voice firm. "But I want the box now."
Marcellus chuckled. "Not yet, Mr. Blackwood. You'll get the box when the job is done. And not a moment sooner."
Kaid's grip on the folder tightened. This was personal now. He would see this job through, no matter what
Kaid tucked the folder into his jacket, his mind racing with plans. He would take care of Marcellus's rival, but he would also find a way to get the box and uncover the truth.
As he turned to leave, Marcellus's voice stopped him. "One more thing, Mr. Blackwood. If you fail, the box will be...disposed of. And you'll never find out who it belongs to."
Kaid's eyes locked onto Marcellus's, a cold fury burning within him. He nodded curtly. "I won't fail."
With that, he turned and walked away, Lyra by his side. They would play this game, but they would play it on their own terms.
"What do you think?" Lyra whispered, her eyes scanning the surroundings. "What's in the box?"
Kaid's jaw clenched. "I don't know, but I'll find out."
They disappeared into the night, their mission now personal. They would take down Marcellus's rival, but they would also uncover the truth about the box and the mysterious person it belonged to.
The game was on, and Kaid would stop at nothing to win.
As they walked away from Marcellus's estate, Kaid's mind was consumed by the box and its contents. Who was it? What was their connection to him? The questions swirled in his head like a vortex, driving him forward.
"We need to study the folder," Lyra said, her voice low. "Understand the target and plan our move."
Kaid nodded, his eyes scanning the shadows. "Let's get out of here first. We don't know who might be watching."
They quickened their pace, disappearing into the night. Once they were safely away from prying eyes, they would start planning their next move.
The stakes had just gotten higher, and Kaid's determination had grown. He would take down Marcellus's rival, get the box, and uncover the truth. No matter the cost.
Their footsteps echoed through the darkness, a sense of purpose driving them forward. They would play this game, and they would win.