Chapter 17: The First Move in a Dangerous Game

Jarek's breathing was still uneven as he straightened up, keeping his eyes locked on the syndicate boss.

His ribs ached from the earlier hit, but he forced himself to ignore the pain.

Across from him, the enforcer was still on the ground, groaning, struggling to rise.

Jarek had no idea how he had just won that fight.

The Heart of Ruin had guided him, but… something was different this time. He could still feel its presence pulsing inside him, like an ember waiting to ignite.

The boss leaned forward, silver eyes glinting with intrigue.

"Well now," he said. "That was impressive."

Jarek wiped some blood from the corner of his mouth. "So? We had a deal."

The boss chuckled. "Oh, we did. But I never said the deal would be simple."

Jarek tensed. "That's not how this works."

The boss ignored him, shifting his attention to Sylva.

"I see why you brought him here," he mused. "He's more than just a fool with a dangerous artifact."

Jarek scowled. "Gee, thanks."

Sylva smirked. "Told you he was interesting."

Lena, who had been silent until now, stepped forward. "You lost. Honor the agreement."

The boss exhaled, as if mildly inconvenienced. "Very well. Since your companion managed to impress me, I will offer something… fair."

Jarek narrowed his eyes. He really didn't like the way this guy talked.

The boss gestured toward a nearby table. A man in a sharp suit stepped forward, placing a thick, sealed envelope on the surface.

"This," the boss said, "is a contract."

Jarek frowned. "A contract for what?"

The boss's smirk widened. "A little game."

Sylva perked up. "I like games."

Lena glared at her.

Jarek crossed his arms. "I don't."

The boss ignored him. "Here's how it works: I will offer my assistance in dealing with Kael. But before I commit my full resources, you must prove you are truly worth the risk."

Jarek clenched his jaw. "And how do I do that?"

The boss's smile was shark-like. "By taking something back from him."

Jarek hesitated. "…Something?"

The boss leaned back, watching him closely. "Kael recently acquired something of value to me. I want it returned."

Lena's eyes narrowed. "And what is this 'something'?"

The boss exhaled. "A ledger."

Jarek frowned. "A… ledger?"

The boss nodded. "A book of records. Containing names, transactions, locations. Everything."

Sylva tilted her head. "So, blackmail material?"

The boss chuckled. "You could call it that."

Jarek felt a knot form in his stomach. This just kept getting worse.

Lena crossed her arms. "Why should we do your dirty work?"

The boss shrugged. "Because if you don't, I walk away. And you lose your best chance at taking Kael down."

Jarek hated how logical that sounded.

Lena's fists clenched. "This is a trap."

"Of course it's a trap," Sylva said cheerfully. "But it's an interesting trap."

Jarek groaned. He was surrounded by lunatics.

The boss reached for the envelope, sliding it across the table. "The terms are simple. Retrieve my ledger, and I will ensure Kael's downfall."

Jarek hesitated.

He didn't trust this man.

Not even a little.

But…

He needed Kael dead.

And this was the fastest way to make that happen.

Slowly, he reached for the envelope.

Lena grabbed his wrist. "Jarek. Think about this."

Jarek met her eyes. "I have."

Lena's grip tightened, but after a long pause… she let go.

Jarek picked up the envelope.

The boss's smile widened. "Smart choice."

Lena muttered under her breath. "We're going to regret this."

Jarek was pretty sure she was right.

But it was too late to turn back now.

Later That Night

They left the syndicate's headquarters with more questions than answers.

The city streets were quiet at this hour, the air crisp with the scent of rain.

Jarek exhaled, rubbing his temple. "Well, that was horrible."

Sylva grinned. "Come on, it wasn't that bad."

Lena shot her a glare. "You're enjoying this too much."

Sylva winked. "Obviously."

Jarek sighed. He turned the envelope over in his hands.

Inside were instructions, locations, and details about Kael's operations.

Lena crossed her arms. "You realize this is just a power play, right? The boss doesn't care about us. He just wants his leverage back."

Jarek nodded. "Yeah. But if we get that ledger, we get Kael."

Lena exhaled sharply. "You're playing a dangerous game."

Jarek's grip tightened around the envelope.

"I know."

Sylva chuckled. "Well, at least it's entertaining."

Jarek groaned.

He really, really hoped he wasn't making the biggest mistake of his life.