chapter17: shadow in the light

The hum of the refrigerator was the only sound in the safe house. Felix stood at the window, the city lights flickering in the distance. Sleep was impossible. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Silas's twisted grin, the guards, the gun pressed to Elena's side. The weight of it all pressed down on him, suffocating.

But they had won for now. Silas was behind bars. The authorities were breathing down Ravensgate's neck. Yet the victory felt hollow. Victoria Lang's words lingered.

"They'll have him replaced before the sun rises."

Felix knew she was right. The organization didn't rely on one man. Silas was a pawn, and pawns were easily sacrificed.

Behind him, Elena stirred. She had fallen asleep on the worn-out couch, exhaustion finally claiming her. Even in sleep, tension creased her features. Felix hated that. She deserved peace.

But peace had never been his to give.

Liam returned from a quick supply run, dropping a brown paper bag on the table. "Coffee and bagels. Not exactly gourmet, but it'll do."

Felix didn't respond.

"You're thinking about Victoria's offer," Liam said knowingly.

"She's not wrong," Felix replied, his voice low. "But I don't trust the system to finish what we started."

Liam frowned. "Then what's the plan?"

Felix's jaw tightened. "We force their hand. Take down Ravensgate before they rebuild. But we do it on our terms."

"Felix, that's reckless."

"So was trusting Silas would keep his word."

Liam's hesitation was evident, but he nodded. "Then we hit them where it hurts. Follow the money. If we can trace the financial channels, we can expose the ones pulling the strings."

Felix's phone buzzed, breaking the tension. A single text.

Unknown Number: You're not as untouchable as you think. Silas was just the beginning.

Felix's eyes darkened. They weren't wasting time.

"We're running out of it," Felix muttered. "They know we're a threat."

Liam's voice was grim. "Then we better make the next move count."

***

The Next Day

Felix parked the sleek black SUV outside a corporate building downtown. Kane Industries. The company's legitimate front. But beneath the glass and steel was a labyrinth of dirty dealings.

"Are you sure about this?" Elena's voice came from the passenger seat.

"No." Felix's lips twisted into a half smile. "But since when has that stopped us?"

Liam was already inside, posing as a business consultant. He'd pulled the necessary strings to get a meeting. The goal was simple plant the spyware, access the company's encrypted financial records, and find the names of the real power players.

Felix stepped through the revolving doors, Elena by his side. The lobby buzzed with corporate chatter, oblivious to the storm brewing beneath their feet.

"Mr. Blackwood?" A young receptionist greeted them with a polished smile. "Mr. Reynolds is expecting you."

Felix nodded, his expression unreadable. They were led to a sleek conference room on the top floor. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city, but the room itself was empty.

Liam's voice crackled through the small earpiece Felix wore.

"Reynolds isn't coming. They know."

Felix stiffened.

The glass door slid open, and a man in a dark suit entered. His graying hair and sharp eyes gave away his calculated authority. Felix recognized him instantly.

Marcus Hale.

Ravensgate's financial orchestrator. The man who moved money like chess pieces.

"Felix Blackwood." Marcus's voice was calm, almost amused. "You've made quite the mess."

Felix didn't flinch. "You'll find I'm good at that."

Marcus circled the table, fingers trailing along its polished surface. "You think you've won because Silas is gone? He was expendable. But you you've become a liability."

Elena tensed beside Felix, her glare unwavering.

"And you think threatening me will change that?" Felix's voice was cold.

Marcus smirked. "No. But offering you a deal might."

Felix's eyes narrowed. "I don't make deals with criminals."

"Oh, but you do." Marcus leaned closer, his voice dripping with certainty. "Work with us, Felix. Return the files, and Ravensgate will ensure your protection. No more chasing shadows. No more threats."

Felix's jaw clenched. "And Elena?"

"She remains unharmed so long as you cooperate."

A heavy silence fell.

Felix could feel Elena's gaze on him, the weight of her trust. He had fought so hard to keep her safe. But Marcus had miscalculated.

Felix didn't break under pressure. He thrived in it.

"You think I fear you?" Felix's voice was steady. "You're a parasite. And parasites are meant to be destroyed."

Marcus's smug expression faltered.

Felix smiled coldly. "I'll see you in hell."

Without another word, he turned on his heel, Elena following closely.

But as they stepped into the elevator, Felix's chest tightened. This was only the beginning.

Marcus wouldn't let them walk away without consequence.

And Felix was prepared to face whatever came next.