Amara sat through the meal in the dining hall at the Blackwell estate, maintaining her composed demeanor. She blended effortlessly into the Blackwell family setting, playing the part of the humble relative who had just arrived. But in her mind, things were far from simple.
As the meal came to a close, Amara stood gracefully, dabbing her lips with a napkin. "Thank you for the lovely meal," she said politely, her green eyes meeting Diana's. "I have some errands to attend to, but I'll be back in time for the banquet."
Diana Blackwell smiled warmly, though a spark of curiosity flickered in her eyes. "Don't be late, dear. Tonight is important."
"Of course," Amara replied, her voice calm and reassuring, though her heart wasn't fully there.
She made her way to the door, her steps light but quick, as she slipped out of the mansion unnoticed. The evening air was cool, and she wrapped her coat tightly around herself. As she turned the corner, a sleek black limousine came into view, its dark windows giving no hint to the driver or the passenger inside.
The car door opened with a soft click, and Amara slid inside, glancing quickly over her shoulder. She was immediately greeted by the familiar, silent figure who had always been by her side. Kael.
His presence was a steady comfort, yet the sight of him now brought a sharp sting of memories she hadn't expected.
Kael. Her loyal protector. Four years older than her, he had been assigned to her by her master since childhood. Silent, vigilant, and ever-so-reliable. But in her previous life… her death had taken him away.
The flash of memories hit her in a brutal wave: the chaos, the blood, Kael's lifeless body lying beside hers. He had sacrificed himself for her, taking the bullet meant for her heart. She had never forgotten his merciless death, his face locked in a grim expression of duty as he fell, protecting her to the very end.
But now, as the world seemed to move forward, Kael was back in her life. The years, the distance, the rebirth—it all felt complicated.
Kael didn't speak immediately. He never did, his silent demeanor something she had long grown used to. Yet, Amara felt the weight of his eyes upon her, as though he could sense the turmoil rising within her.
"Everything is in place, Miss Hale," Kael said finally, his deep voice breaking the silence. His words were calm, collected, but his eyes—always so steady—betrayed a hint of concern.
Amara nodded but didn't answer right away. She looked out the window, her mind racing. Kael, the man who had once been her anchor, was alive again—but the memories of their past life haunted her. She wasn't sure if she could simply ignore what had happened—or if she could even move past the bond they had shared.
Her gaze flickered to Kael, who stood near the door, watching as he always did. She felt the ghosts of their previous life haunting her thoughts—of his sacrifice, of her own death.
The weight of her past seemed to crash down on her all at once, and her mind slipped into a flashback—a memory she could never fully escape.
Flashback
The night had been silent, too silent. The kind of quiet that felt heavy, almost suffocating. Amara and Kael had been surrounded, trapped by forces far stronger than they were. The mission had gone wrong, and escape had been impossible.
Amara had watched helplessly as Kael fought his way through the chaos, his every move calculated and lethal. But when the bullet had been fired, aimed at her chest, it had been Kael who had stepped in the way.
She had screamed his name as his body crumpled, the blood pooling around him. She had rushed to his side, trying desperately to stop the bleeding, but it was too late. His eyes had locked with hers one last time, his expression a strange mix of sorrow and resolve.
"I'll protect you, always," he had whispered, before the light left his eyes.
Amara had died that night too. Shot by the same ruthless enemy who had taken Kael. But in the chaos, she had somehow been brought back, resurrected by unknown forces, left with nothing but the memory of his sacrifice.
End Flashback
Amara blinked, the memory fading as quickly as it had come. She exhaled sharply, as though she had been holding her breath the entire time. Her chest tightened, the familiar ache returning. She couldn't lose Kael again—not like that. She couldn't bear the weight of that loss once more.
Her gaze flickered back to Kael, his steady presence grounding her in the present. His loyalty had never wavered, but his silence spoke volumes. He had always been her protector, but now, it felt different. She wasn't sure if it was because of their shared past or the weight of the present, but something had shifted between them. He wasn't just her protector anymore. He was something more—someone she couldn't afford to lose.
Amara sighed, trying to shake off the overwhelming thoughts. There was no time to dwell on the past. She had a mission, and Kael would be by her side through it, just like always.
The limo pulled into the driveway of her mansion, and Amara straightened, smoothing down her coat. "Thank you, Kael," she murmured, before stepping out of the car.
Kael followed her silently, never straying too far. His presence was always there, a silent promise of protection.
Once inside, Amara made her way to her personal room. It was hidden, well-guarded, where only those she trusted had access. She stood before the mirror, removing her modest attire, her fingers trembling slightly as she did.
Her ginger-red hair, once hidden under a disguise, cascaded freely down her back. Amara stared at her reflection for a moment, wondering if she would ever truly be free from the shadows of her past.
Her gaze flickered to Kael, who stood near the door, watching as he always did. She felt the ghosts of their previous life haunting her thoughts—of his sacrifice, of her own death.
But there was no time for memories. She had to move forward, no matter how complicated it felt. The mission ahead called to her, and she would face it with Kael at her side—no matter the cost.
With one final glance at her reflection, Amara turned away from the mirror. She was ready to face whatever came next.
When Amara stepped out again, she was dressed in a simple, modest outfit with a Mexican bombshell vibe, but without the usual attention-grabbing details—just plain and understated. She took out a second phone from her bag, flipped it open, and transformed it into a tablet. Her fingers quickly scrolled, bringing up a man's profile picture. Blue eyes, short dark hair, and a handsome face. This was the urgent mission she had just received.
Without hesitation, Amara set aside her current work and focused on gathering information about the group behind this man.
"Sullivan Blackwell, the leader of the Crimson Flame Syndicate, fourth son of the Blackwell family, involved in illegal activities such as arms dealing, casinos, smuggling, and controls the criminal underworld in Los Angeles…"
Amara froze for a moment.
The Blackwell family again!?
Hadn't she just been assigned to them today?
She quickly dialed the secure line.
"I'm the red fox. Can you give me a different mission?"
The online contact chuckled.
"Why? Do you find this difficult?"
Amara raised an eyebrow and replied coolly, "Have I ever failed a mission? I just don't want to be involved with him."
The contact sighed.
"You're young, and you're not yet in a position to deal with people like him. But you should know, the last agent who tried to get close to him… disappeared. It's been days, no word."
Amara hung up silently.
She had always been a top student, fiercely independent, and had gained her position in the intelligence agency thanks to her remarkable abilities. Her exceptional talents had led to quick recruitment, and she had received extensive training. Amara found the work intriguing, and she had never failed a mission. Tracking Sullivan Blackwell? It was just another task.
5:40 pm.
Amara arrived outside the gates of Blackwell Manor.
She took a taxi, and as soon as she stepped out, a bodyguard recognized her.
"The eldest master informed us of your arrival. Miss Hale, please follow me."
The bodyguard summoned a small trolley and escorted Amara toward the front of the manor.
The estate was brightly lit, the soft hum of music spilling out from inside.
Upon hearing of Amara's arrival, Diana rushed to greet her.
"Oh! Darling, you're finally here! I've been waiting for you!"
Diana kissed Amara on the cheek before pulling her arm, excited to introduce her to the other guests.
Amara held Diana's hand.
"Mom, I didn't bring anything suitable to wear, so… did you prepare something for me?"
"Of course! I'm so happy! I'll personally take you to your room!"
Diana beamed with joy at the thought of Amara wearing the clothes she had chosen.
Amara smiled softly.
"No need. Let the butler take me there. Aren't you busy entertaining your guests?"
She noticed a few people glancing her way, curious but not overly intrigued.
She didn't mind, but since her mother had worked hard to establish herself in this circle, Amara didn't want her to lose face.