The air in the underground lair felt heavier now. No more teasing about weddings or elopements—only the weight of what they had just uncovered.
They were all on Collaway's hit list.
Jaxon ran a hand through his hair. "Alright. We need a plan. A real one."
Celeste nodded. "Agreed. But first, we need to figure out why he wants us dead. We know we're threats, but what specifically are we stopping him from doing?"
Rina scrolled through the decrypted files. "From what I can see, this isn't just a hit list. It's an operation log. He's been keeping tabs on everyone who could disrupt his plans."
Christy smirked. "Let me guess—he doesn't like people who ruin his evil schemes?"
Rina ignored her and continued. "There are locations, coded messages, and… blueprints."
Aster leaned in. "Blueprints for what?"
Rina tapped the screen. "Some kind of facility. Highly secure. I'd say military-grade."
Eric's brows furrowed. "A bunker?"
"No," Rina said, shaking her head. "It's bigger than that. And look at this—" She zoomed in on one of the schematics. "There are multiple holding cells. High-tech security measures. This isn't just a base."
Rea's stomach twisted. "It's a prison."
Rina nodded grimly. "A prison for people like us."
Silence.
Aster clenched his fists. "So, what—you're saying Collaway's not just killing threats? He's locking them up, too?"
"Seems like it," Rina said. "And from the looks of these files, he's already started."
Jaxon cursed under his breath. "Who's been taken?"
Rina scrolled. "Notable names are blacked out, but from what I can see, a lot of people are missing." She paused. "And not just the usual suspects. Underground leaders, hackers, even former Westwood operatives."
Christy whistled. "Guess Collaway isn't picky about who he takes. Just as long as they can be used or eliminated."
Celeste's expression hardened. "We need to shut it down."
Jaxon exhaled sharply. "Easier said than done. We don't even know where this place is."
Rina tapped on another encrypted file. "Actually, I think I can find out."
Rea frowned. "How?"
Rina smirked. "Because Collaway was arrogant enough to store everything in this." She gestured at the chip. "He left breadcrumbs. And I'm going to follow them."
Aster crossed his arms. "How long?"
Rina glanced at him. He still hadn't fully acknowledged her, but she could see the tension in his stance. The way he refused to meet her gaze.
"Give me a few hours," she said finally. "I'll crack this."
Jaxon sighed. "Then we wait."
Aster groaned. "I hate waiting."
Christy grinned. "Well, husband-to-be, you could spend the time planning your wedding."
Rea turned bright red. "I swear—"
"—don't you mean our wedding?" Aster teased, throwing an arm lazily over the back of his chair.
Rea glared at him. "I will personally end you."
Christy wiped fake tears. "They grow up so fast."
Jaxon smirked. "At least one good thing is coming out of all this."
Aster grinned. "Yeah. Free cake."
Rea lunged at him.
Jaxon leaned back in his chair as Rea attempted to strangle Aster while Christy cheered her on. For a brief moment, the weight of everything lifted—just a little.
But they all knew the real battle was just beginning.
And soon, Collaway would know they were coming for him.