Rough reminder

A candle flickered in the darkness, its dim glow illuminating a masked figure seated at a wooden desk.

Apostle IV.

The Shadow in charge of assassinations and espionage.

His mask bore a chilling design, a number "IV" engraved onto the forehead. The flickering light cast eerie shadows across the hollow eye sockets of the mask as he calmly scanned the files in his hands. He flipped through the pages, his gloved fingers stopping on a particular report.

"Here's the fourth report this week," he muttered, his voice smooth but cold. "The spies we sent out have successfully delivered the weapons. They arrived safely at the hideout."

He paused, his fingers tightening around the edges of the paper. "However, the police will soon send out spies of their own to uncover individuals with abilities. Especially those we released from jail."

He let out a dry chuckle. "Ha! Let them try. Do they really think we don't anticipate their every move?"

The room was silent except for the crackling candle. Then, finally, the figure standing in front of him spoke. His voice was deep, commanding.

"What about Kai?"

Apostle IV leaned back in his chair and exhaled. "He's been loitering around the sanctuary. No updates from him concerning Jin or the other ability users."

The Shadow Leader turned his head slightly, though his expression remained unreadable beneath his own mask. "Then perhaps we should remind him…"

His voice dropped an octave, sending a chill through the room. "What happens to those who ignore my orders."

Apostle IV immediately bowed. "My messenger is already on it."

--

The scent of old books lingered in the air as candlelight flickered along the walls of a grand library. The towering shelves were lined with tomes, scrolls, and various relics. Seated at a heavy oak desk was a blonde man, wearing a polished mask.

Apostle VII.

The Shadow in charge of weapon operations.

He calmly stamped documents, organizing logistics and planning distributions. As he prepared to review the next shipment order, the library door creaked open. A smirk played on his lips as he looked up.

"Finally," he muttered.

Ava stepped inside, her eyes filled with irritation. "What did you call me for?"

The apostle chuckled, setting his pen aside. "That's a rude way to greet an old friend."

Ava crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes. "I'm seeing you too frequently these days. And why are you wearing that mask, Seventh?"

The apostle tilted his head before replying, "Well, this is serious business after all. Apostles are required to wear their masks when addressing subordinates."

Ava smirked and leaned closer, her fingers brushing the mask before pulling it off. "Don't be ridiculous, James."

James laughed, running a hand through his blonde hair. "You ruin all my fun."

Ava dropped a file onto his desk. "Here's the report."

James flipped through it, his smirk widening. "I'm impressed. Three assassinations in one week, all executed perfectly."

Ava chuckled. "Don't underestimate me, James."

James leaned in, pressing a slow kiss to her cheek. His lips barely brushed her skin before he whispered, "But something's bothering you, isn't it?"

Ava's fingers twitched as Nerya's words echoed in her mind.

"Let's see how long that lasts. With the new enforcement, the police are on the lookout for people with abilities committing crimes. It won't be long before they catch you, Ava."

She shook her head slightly. "I'm not worried."

James studied her expression before smirking. "Good. Because I heard Nerya came to visit you a few days ago."

Ava's breath hitched.

James kissed her cheek again, his tone still light yet edged with something darker. "I hope you're not mad over her."

He pulled away, his voice dropping. "Emotions will only get you killed, Ava. You were the only one I made sure I didn't manipulate—and you're doing fine, aren't you?"

Ava ran her fingers across his chest before pulling back. "Well… I'm getting bored of killing. I need you."

James let out a quiet chuckle. "Later, Ava."

Ava sighed and leaned back in her chair. "So, any new missions?"

James turned toward the window, gazing at the city below. "Yes. You must keep an eye on Kai."

Ava's brows furrowed.

"Keep him alive," James continued, his voice eerily casual. "Or as alive as he will be after the Fourth is through with him. Our spymaster isn't as forgiving as I am."

Ava's jaw clenched.

---

Kai adjusted the hood of his red sweatshirt as he walked through the empty streets. His hands remained in his pockets, but his senses were sharp. He could hear them.

They weren't even trying to be stealthy.

The moment he turned the corner, shadows flickered across the walls. A low voice echoed through the cold night air.

"Kai."

Kai smirked and kept walking. "You guys aren't exactly subtle, you know? I could hear you from a mile away."

One of them stepped forward. "We didn't need to be."

Kai slowed his pace, his fingers grazing the blade hidden inside his pocket. "You knew, so why didn't you run?"

Kai sighed dramatically. "Why would I? If the leader finally decided to get rid of me, I might as well get it over with."

The masked figures lunged at him.

Kai ducked, dodging the first strike. A knife barely missed his neck as he countered, slamming his fist into one attacker's ribs. He twisted, grabbing another by the wrist and flipping him over.

Pain exploded at the back of his skull.

A heavy hit from behind sent him crashing onto the pavement. Before he could recover, another blow struck his face, making him see stars.

Rough hands grabbed his arms, yanking them behind his back. A sharp kick landed against his side, forcing the air from his lungs.

Kai spat blood onto the pavement, laughing softly. "Oh, how kind of him. So… what did he tell you to do?"

The masked figure crouched beside him, his voice dripping with amusement. "To only spare your face."

Kai barely had time to react before the first punch landed. Then another.

And another.