Mission Completed

The next day, Dean was summoned to meet with Thalia again.

This time, she wasn't alone. A few of her trusted men were with her—her inner circle. They all watched him closely, the air thick with unspoken tension. He'd done what she wanted, but now he needed to hear her verdict.

Thalia stood in front of him, her expression unreadable. Her blue eyes were sharp, but there was something in them—something almost approving.

"You did good," she said, her voice steady. "Better than I expected."

Dean couldn't help the rush of pride that filled him. He knew the task had been dangerous, but he had done it with precision. And now, standing in front of Thalia, he could feel the weight of her approval. It wasn't easy to get, but it was everything.

But Thalia wasn't done.

"You're not just a gun for hire, Ross," she continued. "You have potential. I'm watching you."

Dean met her gaze. There it was—the real test. Her trust. It wasn't a guarantee. But it was something. A small victory, perhaps, but a victory nonetheless.

"I won't let you down," he said, his voice low and steady.

Thalia smiled faintly, a smile that held no warmth but spoke volumes about the respect she was beginning to have for him.

"We'll see," she replied.

As she walked away, Dean knew he had taken the first step. The trust wasn't fully earned yet, but it was a start. And that was all he needed. For now.