Chapter 27: First Strike
The pre-dawn streets were quiet, cloaked in a mist that made every shadow seem alive. Lila crouched behind a dumpster, surveying the target building. The traitor, standing nearby, whispered instructions in a hushed tone, detailing the guard rotations, alarm systems, and weak points.
Damien checked the small device tracking the remaining operatives’ movements. “We have a window,” he said, eyes sharp. “Ten minutes to get in, complete the operation, and get out. No mistakes.”
Lila’s heart raced, but her movements were precise, rehearsed. “Let’s do this,” she whispered, gripping the bag with the tools and intel they would need.
They slipped through the shadows, entering the building through a hidden side entrance indicated by the traitor. Inside, the air was tense, electric with danger. Every step required silence; every breath was measured.
Lila disabled the first security panel while Damien neutralized a patrol quietly. The traitor led them deeper, showing them secret corridors and hidden offices. “This way,” they murmured, glancing nervously over their shoulder. “The main room is just ahead.”
Suddenly, an alarm blinked—one they hadn’t anticipated. Lila froze. Damien acted instantly, disabling the alert before it triggered a full-scale response. Their hearts pounded, but they pressed on.
In the main room, rows of computers and files contained the network’s operational plans. Lila worked quickly, copying data onto secure drives while Damien and the traitor kept watch. Every second felt like an eternity.
Then, footsteps approached—more guards than expected. Damien signaled, and Lila ducked behind a desk as Damien and the traitor created a diversion, leading the guards away with calculated precision.
With the files secured, Lila and Damien slipped out through the hidden corridors, adrenaline driving every move. Outside, rain had begun to fall, washing away their tracks. They paused for a moment, hearts racing, and exhaled in unison.
“We did it,” Damien said quietly, though his eyes remained alert. “This is the first step. But the network will retaliate—they always do.”
Lila nodded, determination blazing. “Then we strike again. We finish this before they have a chance to rebuild.”
The city remained unaware, the storm outside masking their escape. But Lila knew the battle had truly begun—and with the first strike successful, the shadows would never see them coming again.
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