Mira's smirk lingered as she met Kael's unwavering gaze. "Not bad."
Kael kept his dagger steady, the cool steel resting just beneath her chin. He had won. But Mira… she wasn't afraid.
A heartbeat passed.
Then, without warning, she twisted like a shadow, slipping from his grasp.
Before Kael could react, her own blade was at his back. Fast. Too fast.
From the shadows, Orin let out a low whistle. "Alright, I'll admit—that was impressive."
Kael remained still. He could feel the sharp edge of her crimson blade pressing lightly against him.
Mira leaned in slightly. "You fight well. But in this world, skill alone won't keep you alive."
She stepped back, withdrawing her weapon. Kael turned to face her, his grip on his own dagger relaxing.
She was testing him. And now… she had her answer.
An Unspoken Understanding
Mira sheathed her blades and crossed her arms. "You want my help against the Syndicate?"
Kael nodded. "We're going to take them apart. Every last piece."
She arched an eyebrow. "Ambitious. But you're not the first to try."
Orin smirked. "No. But we'll be the last."
Mira studied them both. She had spent years fighting alone, hunted like an animal. Trust was a rare thing in her world.
Finally, she sighed, rolling her shoulders. "Alright. I'll hear you out."
Kael met her gaze. "Not just words. Action."
Mira's smirk returned. "Then let's stop talking and start killing."
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