Striking First

Ariella stood in the dim study, her hands resting on the polished mahogany desk as she absorbed the reality around her.

 The Order of the Black Key.

A hidden group responsible for her mother's death, her father's disappearance, and her own removal from history.

For years, she had lived unaware, thinking she was just an orphan trying to get by.

But now?

Now, she understood the truth and would no longer be a pawn in their game.

She couldn't help but imagine what could have been, had situations been different. What her life could have been living under the same roof with her parent, in affluence and power. One thing she knew for sure was that life isn't fair. It may have taken so much from her but she is determined to make the best out of what is left of her life starting by eradicating the very people who have made it so.

Leo was by the window, phone pressed to his ear, speaking in calm, measured tones. Even without hearing him, she knew he was organizing their resources, getting ready for battle.

Her father, still recovering from his injuries, sat in an armchair across from her. His face showed signs of age and fatigue, but his eyes sparkled with the same determination Ariella felt inside.

"They won't see you coming," he said quietly.

Ariella raised her chin. "That's our strength."

He nodded. "But remember—when you strike, they will hit back."

Leo ended the call, his expression serious. "That's why we attack first."

Ariella looked at him. "Did you receive the information?"

Leo's mouth tightened. "Carter just sent the locations of three key members of the Order. If we take them out, it will send a strong message."

Ariella's heart raced. "Let's make it happen."

Her father shifted in his chair. "Be cautious. They're not just businessmen or politicians. These men hold power and will go to any length to eliminate you, once they realize you now know and have become a threat."

Ariella clenched her fists. "Then we ensure they never have the chance."

Leo's gaze shifted to her stomach. "Ariella, you're seven months pregnant." concern written all over his face.

She looked straight into his eyes without a moment's doubt. "I refuse to let my child enter a world where these people still control my life."

A heavy silence followed.

Then Leo nodded. "Okay. Let's go."

Their first target was Lucian Rowe.

He was a billionaire with strong political connections and ties to the Order's financial network. He managed a series of offshore accounts that sent money to the society, helping them maintain their power.

If they could stop his funding, they would severely weaken the Order.

Ariella, Leo, and Carter arrived at his exclusive club under the cover of darkness. The high-end venue was well-guarded, but Leo's team had already bypassed the security measures.

Leo adjusted his earpiece. "We have ten minutes before the cameras reset."

Ariella nodded, checking the silenced pistol on her thigh. "Let's move quickly."

Carter took the lead, moving quietly and efficiently. They entered through the back door, navigating through shadowy hallways until they reached Rowe's private office.

Leo forced the lock, and Ariella stepped in.

Lucian Rowe sat alone behind a large oak desk, a glass of whiskey in hand. He barely had time to react as Leo pushed him forward, slamming him face-first onto the desk.

Ariella leaned closer, her voice icy. "We need to talk."

Lucian grunted in pain, blood dripping from his nose. "Who are you?"

Ariella smirked. "You know who I am."

His eyes shifted to her stomach, realization hitting him. "The lost Devereux girl." He let out a dark laugh. "I was wondering when you'd come."

Leo's fist connected with his jaw, knocking him to the floor. "Start talking," Leo demanded.

Lucian spat blood, a mocking grin on his face. "Or what? You'll kill me?"

Ariella knelt next to him, tilting her head slightly. "I don't need to kill you, Mr. Rowe. I just need to ensure you lose everything."

Lucian's smirk faded.

Ariella grinned. "Your accounts? They're being frozen right now. Your offshore assets? Cleared out. By morning, you'll be penniless."

Lucian's eyes widened in fear. "You're just bluffing."

Ariella leaned closer. "Go ahead, test me."

Carter's earpiece buzzed. "We're in. His accounts are now frozen."

Lucian gasped, panic washing over him. "You don't get it—"

Ariella's face turned serious. "Oh, I get it just fine. And this? It's only the start."

She stood up, signaling to Leo.

Leo's fist struck Lucian's temple, knocking him out instantly.

Ariella walked away, her heartbeat steady.

One down.

Two more to go.

The next target was Marcelo Vance, a media tycoon who ran the Order's propaganda.

When they reached his penthouse, it was deserted.

No guards. No security.

Leo tensed beside her. "This feels like a setup."

Ariella's stomach churned. "We need to leave."

But before they could escape, a red laser dot appeared on Leo's chest.

Ariella's heart raced "GET DOWN!" she yelled, shoving Leo aside just as a bullet shattered the window behind them.

Carter shot back immediately, hitting one of the snipers across the street.

Ariella gasped for air, adrenaline surging through her.

They had walked into a trap.

Leo grabbed her hand, his eyes filled with anger. "We need to move. NOW."

Gunfire erupted around them as they ducked behind furniture, firing back whenever they could.

Ariella's hands trembled, but she forced herself to stay alert.

This was no longer just about her own survival.

It was about her child's safety.

Carter eliminated another shooter and pointed to the exit. "We need to fall back!"

Leo wrapped his arms around her, protecting her as they headed for the fire escape.

Bullets zipped past them, glass shattered, alarms screamed—

But at last, they made it out.

Leo held her tightly, his breath uneven. "Are you alright?"

Ariella took a sharp breath, her chest rising and falling quickly. "Yeah."

But inside, she understood one thing. The Order was aware of her approach.

And now?

They were after her, too.