Planning Under Neon Shadows

The safehouse was a stark contrast to the chaotic city outside—dimly lit, walls lined with screens casting a cool blue glow that bathed the room in a digital haze. Rain hammered against the windows, a relentless reminder of the storm both outside and within.

Aeris spread out the decrypted files on the holo-table, lines of code and intercepted communications weaving a web of corruption and betrayal. Each flicker of the screen revealed another piece of the puzzle — the syndicate's next move, a shadowy council pulling strings from the depths.

Kael stood beside her, fingers steepled, jaw clenched. "If they're mobilizing, we need allies. We can't do this alone."

Vex leaned forward, voice low but steady. "There's one person — a former insider. Disavowed, but with access and grudges. Risky, but our best shot."

Aeris's eyes narrowed. "Trust is a currency we're running low on."

Outside, neon lights flickered and buzzed, casting jagged reflections across the rain-soaked streets like fractured memories.

Kael's gaze hardened. "Then we make that currency count."

Aeris took a deep breath, heart pounding not just with fear, but with fierce determination.

"This ends on our terms. No more running."

The room seemed to pulse with unspoken promises — of retribution, of sacrifice, and the fragile hope that even in darkness, light could be found.