Theia's Salvation

The city's pulse quickened as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows that danced across the bustling streets. Marcus stood in the dimly lit parking lot beside his unassuming car, his face concealed beneath the hood of a dark sweatshirt. His fingers danced over the small recording device he had wielded like a spy, replaying the pivotal conversation between Mr. Mario and Evelyn.

The digital file was his ticket to influence, to maintain his position within a web of secrecy and power that ran deep within the city's underbelly. Marcus knew that the information he possessed was valuable beyond measure. With a few deft taps on the device's screen, he forwarded the recording to a secure location, ensuring it was tucked away from prying eyes.

Once the data was safely stashed away, Marcus retrieved his smartphone, the screen bathed in an eerie, bluish glow. He dialed a number he had committed to memory, one that had remained dormant for far too long. Each ring felt like an etern