' Shadows Of Silvermist '
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In the dim glow of an underground chamber beneath Silvermist City, nine figures waited in silence. The air was thick with tension, shadows dancing on the walls like phantoms.
"Are we complete?" Kaidën asked, his voice deep but calm, laced with quiet authority.
Juliana shook her head, her sharp eyes scanning the room. “We’re still waiting on Ryker, Lila, Thane… and Kaida. Then we’ll be complete.”
Kaidën nodded slowly, though his gaze drifted, eyes clouded with a familiar haze.
Juliana frowned subtly. She could see it—his mind slipping, like grains of sand falling through cracks. She hated seeing him like this.
Meanwhile, in the maze of alleys above, Averyelle “Avery” Wynter moved like a shadow. Her raven-black ponytail swayed behind her, and her eyes—sharp and silver—scanned the rooftops for any movement.
Not far from her, Kaito leaned against a brick wall, silent and detached. At his side stood Akira, his katana resting peacefully in its sheath, yet his posture alert.
Kaito spoke quietly. “The leader’s condition is… concerning.”
Akira nodded once. “He’s pushing himself too hard.”
Back inside, Juliana excused herself. Kaidën’s eyes followed her, reading what she didn’t say. He stood moments later, stepping out of the chamber to find her.
He found her behind the complex, shoulders shaking with quiet sobs.
Kaidën hesitated for a moment, then crossed the distance and gently brushed a tear from her cheek. She looked up at him, eyes red-rimmed.
Then, without words, he leaned in. Their lips met in a kiss—tender, full of unspoken feelings. When they broke apart, Juliana's voice trembled. “I’m scared of losing you.”
“You won’t,” Kaidën whispered. “I’ll always be here. For you.”
Footsteps echoed down the hall.
“It’s Akira,” Kaidën murmured.
Juliana nodded as they composed themselves. Akira stepped into view, respectful as ever. “Sir. The others have arrived. We're ready.”
Kaidën nodded. “Let’s begin.”
Back in the chamber, Kaidën’s gaze locked onto Kaida. “Only Emily remains, right?”
Kaida nodded. “I only managed to take out Aria.”
The room fell quiet.
“She’s not finished,” Kaidën said at last.
Confused glances darted across the room.
Ryker stepped forward. “But Kaida killed her. I saw it.”
Kaida narrowed her eyes. “Wait—were you watching me?”
Ryker held up his hands innocently. “Keeping an eye on you.”
Thane smirked. “And that’s different how?”
Kaidën turned to Avery. “Can you infiltrate Phoenix Hospital?”
Avery’s eyes gleamed. “Of course. But why there?”
Juliana spoke evenly. “It’s where Aria will be taken for treatment.”
Avery smiled slowly. “So… what do you want me to do?”
Kaidën’s eyes were cold. “Kill her.”
Avery’s grin widened. “Understood.”
As the members dispersed, the weight of their reputation followed them. The Crimson Reapers—feared assassins and thieves, known for ruthlessness and precision.
At their helm stood Kaidën—mysterious, lethal, and silently unraveling.
---
Later That Evening
Juliana found Kaidën slumped against the wall, eyes squeezed shut in pain.
“Kaidën?” she rushed to him, catching him before he collapsed.
His body trembled, breath ragged. She held him tight, whispering gently.
The spell passed. He blinked slowly. “What happened?”
Juliana looked at him, heart heavy. “The meeting ended about 2 hours ago. Avery's on her mission. The others are exploring the city before we leave.”
Kaidën ran a hand through his snowy white bangs, hiding his crimson eyes. Juliana found the gesture unintentionally charming.
“Oh,” he said quietly. “And you stayed?”
“I’m your number one bodyguard,” she blushed. “I’m not allowed to leave your side.”
Kaidën smiled softly. “Come closer.”
She obeyed, heart pounding.
He kissed her again, brief but full of warmth.
“Take a break,” he murmured. “You deserve it.”
Juliana stepped back, her light blue hair fluttering. Her lavender eyes shimmered under the moonlight.
“No, Leader,” she said with strength. “My reward is staying by you.”
Kaidën chuckled. “You're stubborn.”
He leaned closer, a playful glint in his eye. “Then… let’s go together. Just us. A date?”
Juliana froze. “A date? With you?”
“Yes,” Kaidën grinned. “Just the two of us.”
She blushed furiously but smiled.
---
Meanwhile, at the Phoenix Hospital
Hunter, Scarlet, Emily, Freya, and Xavier stood around Aria’s hospital bed.
“Is she going to be okay?” Emily asked, voice tight.
“She was stabbed,” Hunter said grimly. “Her life’s still in danger.”
“She has her abilities,” Scarlet added. “It might take a full day… but we need a doctor fast.”
Then Xavier spoke. “How did they know about us?”
Everyone turned toward him.
“What do you mean?” Hunter asked.
“They knew too much—our powers, our mission. Not just public info. So… who told them?”
"Who else knew about your powers, Emily?". Scarlet asked.
Emily blinked. “No one knew except—wait…”
“Think hard,” Freya pressed.
Emily paused. “The principal.”
They all stared at her.
“She called Aria and me to her office after finding out we were tailing Xavier.”
“You tailed me?” Xavier blinked.
“But how did she know?” Hunter asked.
“She might be a spy,” Freya said.
“Spies don’t run schools,” Xavier replied flatly. “She’s got her own agenda.”
“Whatever it is,” Scarlet muttered, “it’s bad.”
Freya draped herself around Hunter’s arm. “Let’s go to the Phoenix Initiative HQ!”
“It’s in Nyx City. Too far,” Hunter said.
“Then let’s contact them remotely,” Xavier suggested.
Freya pouted. “You guys are no fun.”
“This isn’t about fun. It’s life or death,” Scarlet snapped.
Hunter stood. “Let’s go.”
“Wait—what about Aria?” Emily asked.
“The doctor’s hours away. We can’t just sit here,” Xavier said.
“Then it’s settled,” Freya grinned. “To Nyx City we go!”
Scarlet whacked her on the head and dragged her out.
---