NI

elf. Her behaviour over the past few days had changed. Quiet. Too quiet. It wasn't like her, and I didn't trust it. My second-in-command, Klaus, had discovered a lead: a man named Michael had been frantically attempting to get in touch with her. Just the term had made her withdraw farther into herself, gazing blankly into nothingness. According to Klaus's research, Michael was her adopted father. However, I sensed that it wasn't the complete tale. I couldn't quite place the dynamic between them, but there was more. There was a tinge of

t I was unarmed, I got out of the automobile. I met Michael's sharp look and stated calmly, "Let's talk." "Rebel stays with me, but you can ride in one of the cars or follow us." He laughed icily. "I ride with her." "Not happening," I answered, my voice dropping."She stays within three paces of me at all times," I said, in a tone that left no room for discussion. Michael's jaw tensed, his eyes darted to Rebel, and for a second, I thought he might pull the trigger, but instead, he nodded curtly. "Fine. Lead

weak when you fall in love. I warned you about that how many times? Rebel raised his chin in defiance. "I'm not helpless. This is something I can manage. It doesn't alter my identity. "It changes everything!" he said, his poise faltering. "You're dead the moment you let your guard down. Or worse, what happens after he's dead? Do you lose your edge when you seek retribution? She spoke in a softer but equally determined voice. "That isn't the case. I am aware of the dangers. "No," Michael angrily said. "You don't. You wouldn't jeopardise all of your training if you did. You become vulnerable when you fall in love. Being vulnerable is risky. Rebel's voice was calm as she squared her shoulders. "I refuse to allow them to murder us. M

ting from her. "You two." Her tone softened but lost its edge as she turned to Michael. "I understand your intentions, but you no longer have the authority to control my decisions. You taught me to think independently and to be powerful. I am precisely doing that. Although Michael's jaw tensed, he remained silent. I briefly believed he might pay attention. Then, in a low, menacing voice, he spoke. "You believe that this will work out nicely for you and him? You don't know what's going to happen. Rebel, they won't stop. They never cease. "I understand," she said firmly. "And I'm prepared for that." The discussion continued far into the night. The danger that followed Rebel like a shadow and the organisation she ha