Revenge?

The steam drifted in soft swirls around Nova as he leaned back against the cool tiles of the bath. The hot water did little to ease the lingering weight in his chest, but it was a welcome distraction for him.

The warmth seeped into his skin, soothing yet temporary, as his thoughts drifted aimlessly in the quiet solitude of the bath.

By the time he stepped out, toweling his damp hair, the room was already empty.

Sophia was already gone. She must have left for home after everything that happened.

Nova exhaled. Not that he expected her to stay, she probably had things to sort out first before discussing what happened, just like he did.

And right now, he had other things to worry about.

...

Knock. Knock.

The room was quiet when Nova arrived, the air heavy with cigarette smoke and tension.

His uncle stood by the window, one hand tucked into his pocket, the other holding a glass of whiskey despite it being barely noon. His eyes flickered to Nova as he entered.

"Decided to finally show up?" Vincent's voice was calm but still unreadable, a quiet edge underneath.

Nova sighed, rubbing his temples. "Yeah, yeah. I get it. I walked out of the meeting. Just tell me what I missed."

Vincent studied him for a long moment before speaking. "We're launching an attack in two days. A drug den near our western border, one of the Mad Hounds' operations. It'll be our first move, no more hiding games."

Nova's brows furrowed. "You're telling me this is going full-scale?"

Vincent nodded, swirling the liquid in his glass. "They've been pushing too far into our turf. Its time we send our message."

Nova leaned against the table, exhaling sharply. "So that's why everyone was so on edge. Makes sense." He paused, his gaze darkening. "Who's leading the attack?"

"I am," Vincent answered, taking a slow sip before adding, "You will come with me."

Nova stilled for a moment. Then, a slow smirk tugged at his lips.

"Well. Guess I don't have a choice, huh?"

"I know you want to." Vincent said smoothly.

Nova clicked his tongue. "Figures."

He processed the information, letting it settle in his mind. Honestly, this was the time he has been waiting for. A part of him felt an itch, anticipation, maybe. Or perhaps REVENGE.

Nova's face slowly morphs into something grim and resolute but thinking about it for a second…Nova inwardly cringed, shaking his head slightly with his jumbling thoughts.

Then, something else clicked in his mind.

His necklace.

He reached up instinctively, only to feel the bare skin of his collarbone.

"By the way," he started casually, masking the unease creeping in his voice. "My necklace. Did anyone find it?"

Vincent's expression didn't change. But there was a brief, almost imperceptible pause before he spoke.

"No."

Nova frowned. "Nothing at all?"

"It wasn't there when we found you." Vincent's voice remained calm, but his words were deliberate. "We searched the area. If it was on you, it's gone now."

Nova's fingers twitched at his side.

That necklace had been with him since he could remember. It wasn't just some accessory.

And yet, it was lost.

"Did those guys took it?" Nova asked himself.

He narrowed his eyes slightly, watching Vincent's face. But the man was a wall, calm, impassive. His has been focusing on his ability to work but still it came up nothing.

Still, he sensed that something felt…off.

Vincent shifted the conversation smoothly. "You'll be joining me at the casino later. We have business to handle before the attack. Get ready."

Nova forced himself to nod, pushing aside the unease. "Yeah. Sure."

His necklace was missing. And for some reason, he had a feeling that wasn't an accident.

…..

A few hours later, Nova found himself stepping into Aurelion Royale, one of the many high-end casinos owned by Strata Syndicate.

The place was alive with chatter and the rhythmic chime of slot machines even though it was still in the afternoon. The scent of expensive liquor and desperation filled the air as gamblers threw their fortunes on the line.

Vincent led the way, exchanging brief nods with high-profile clients and business associates. He had an aura that demanded respect, cold, calculating, and in complete control.

Nova who was following behind was more relaxed. Smirking at the familiar faces, casually strolling behind his uncle like he owned the place.

They stopped at a private lounge, guarded by two syndicate members. The doors swung open, revealing a well-dressed man already waiting inside.

"Mr. Alaric, a pleasure as always," the casino manager greeted with a polite nod, his voice smooth and businesslike. His name was Raymond Velez, the man in charge of Aurelion Royale's daily operations.

Vincent barely acknowledged the greeting. He walked straight to the bar, pouring himself a drink before speaking. "Status."

Raymond's smile didn't waver, but his posture stiffened. He understood Vincent wasn't here for pleasantries.

"Everything has been arranged," Raymond began, adjusting his tie. "My… associate has provided us with detailed intelligence. If you'd like to hear it directly, he's here."

A soft knock at the door.

With a flick of Vincent's wrist, one of the guards opened it.

A man stepped in, dressed like a standard casino worker wearing black vest and a crisp white shirt but his eyes darted around nervously. He wasn't just an employee.

Nova recognized the look immediately. A man used to play two sides, but also one who knew the cost of failure.

Vincent sipped his drink and motioned for him to speak.

"Boss." The man bowed slightly, his voice just above a whisper. "The hideout is in a warehouse near the western docks, right on the borders. The place operates as a front for logistics with legit cargo comes in and out but at night, it's strictly drugs."

Nova leaned against the bar, arms crossed, listening.

"How many people run security?" Vincent asked.

The spy swallowed. "Around twenty to thirty, depending on the night. They rotate shifts, but they're armed. Not just handguns, they have SMGs, shotguns, even a few rifles. They're really packed to the brim."

Nova raised a brow. "Any weaknesses?"

The spy nodded quickly. "Two. First, the delivery schedules have most of their guys focus on shipments when new stock arrives. During those times, the back entrance is understaffed. The next big shipment is two nights from now."

Nova smirked slightly. "Convenient."

The spy shifted uncomfortably but continued. "Second weakness is the boss running the place, his name is Luis 'Vulture' Esteban. He's sloppy sometimes, spends most of his time in the upstairs office, gambling, drinking, entertaining girls. If he's there, he won't be paying attention to anything else."

Vincent set his glass down, his eyes calculating. "Good work."

The spy nodded, visibly relieved.

Nova glanced at his uncle. "So? We taking it?"

Vincent's gaze didn't waver. "We take everything."

The decision was made. The war would begin in two days.

Vincent stood up, signaling the meeting was over. Raymond nodded, already preparing to erase all traces of this conversation.

As they left the lounge, Nova rolled his shoulders, exhaling. "Well, that was fun. Now what?"

Vincent didn't even glance at him. "Try not to get yourself killed before we move."

Nova snorted. "No promises."