Chapter-18 The First Strike

The city streets were abnormally silent that evening, the sort of stillness that sent the hackles rising. Alexander, Isabella, and their partner Lucas, a seasoned mole within Cassandra's empire moved purposively quietly through the alleys, steering clear of CCTV and roving guards.

"This way," Lucas gasped, taking them to a utilitarian-style building on the perimeter. "Cassandra's personal files are stored here. I used to have access… she doesn't trust anyone any longer, but some of the residual security is still online."

Alexander's grip on the bag holding their equipment cameras, lockpicks, and a portable drive tightened. "We grab what we need and leave. No mistakes. No notice."

Isabella gave him a sharp glance. "Easier said than done. You know how locked up she's been getting lately."

Lucas smiled. "She misjudges those whom she believes to be weak. That is our strength."

They entered through a service door that Lucas recalled from previous years. The building had a scent of dust and machinery odor, an empty labyrinth of offices and closed rooms. The air was claustrophobic; every squeak of a floorboard rang like a warning.

At last, they arrived at the vaultlike office at the far end of the hall. Lucas punched fast at a keypad, skipping over the outdated codes that Cassandra had believed to be years old. A soft click, and the door opened.

Shelves upon shelves and cabinets full of files inside contained the information that might destroy a life or save one. Alexander worked with a sense of urgency, scanning files, snapping pictures, and transferring encrypted data onto the portable drive.

“Got it,” he whispered after what felt like hours. “Let’s move.”

But just as they turned to leave, a soft beep echoed through the office. A silent alarm.

“Cassandra’s expecting us,” Lucas muttered, panic flashing across his face. “She probably knew I’d contact you.”

The three froze, their hearts racing. Footsteps approached from the hallway too deliberate to be random.

"Stay still," Alexander growled. "We exit the way we entered. Stay in the darkness."

They flashed through a thin corridor, ghosting, their adrenaline sensitivity thrumming in their veins. Isabella stumbled over a stray cable, but Alexander pulled her back onto track.

When they arrived at the service entrance, a light came on in the back office, sending long shadows. Cassandra's shadow filled the doorway, arms folded, a mean smile spreading across her lips.

"Ahh, well," she drawled, her voice silky and lethal. "I was wondering when you'd attempt something. How sweet you think you're smarter than me?

Alexander froze. His mind raced. They had the files, yes but escaping now meant facing Cassandra directly. There was no turning back.

Isabella stepped forward, her fear hidden beneath a mask of defiance. “We’re not here to play games, Cassandra. This ends tonight.”

Cassandra laughed, a sound that echoed through the empty corridor. “Ends? Oh, darling… this is only the beginning. You’ve made the first move, and now, the real game begins.”

Alexander clenched his fists, determination burning in his chest. "Then let's play your game… our way."

The three of them burst out the back door just as Cassandra's security started pouring into the building. The game was on and the stakes had never been higher.

Outside, at night, Alexander, Isabella, and Lucas vanished into the labyrinth of streets, the records secure for the moment but Cassandra's ghost drew closer than ever before.

Tonight they had made the first blow. But Cassandra's revenge was certain. and fatal.