“Here’s what we know,” she said, her finger tracing the faded lines on the map. “The warehouse is secluded, surrounded by trees on one side and the docks on the other. We’ll need to set up surveillance without being seen.”
Kim nodded, his brow furrowed in thought. “We should have a couple of officers stationed at the main road to monitor anyone coming and going. If Axel’s intel is correct, they’ll be expecting us to make a move soon.”
Do-Hyun leaned in closer, his focus intense. “We’ll need to consider our entry points. If we go in through the back, we might catch them off guard, but it could also cut us off from backup. We should prepare for anything.”
Pandy felt the tension rising as they discussed their plan. “Let’s keep a lookout for any identifiable symbols or markings that could link back to the Order. Axel mentioned that they wear black; we should also be prepared for anything that looks unusual.”
“Agreed,” Livvy added. “If we can gather visual evidence of their activities, it’ll strengthen our case.”
“Alright, everyone,” Kim said, his voice low. “Stay alert and communicate. We’re here to gather information, not engage unless absolutely necessary. We can’t risk tipping them off.”
Pandy's mind raced down memory lane as they inched closer to the warehouse. She hived a sigh, tension building in as she probed up for the upcoming dread. But rest assured the backup will be on standby.
.
.
.
The warehouse was a labyrinth of rusted metal and decaying walls, the air thick with the scent of mildew. The moonlight barely filtered through the grimy windows, casting long shadows that flickered and danced, adding to the sense of foreboding. Pandy’s heart thudded in her chest as they moved deeper into the building, her hand instinctively brushing against the weapon at her side. Every step felt like a gamble.
"Stay close," Do-Hyun whispered, his voice low but steady. His eyes scanned the surroundings, ever-alert, and though he moved with calm precision, Pandy could feel the tension radiating off him.
They reached a large central room, where the open expanse of the warehouse unfolded before them. It was empty—too empty. Pandy's instincts screamed that something was wrong. No guards, no sign of Selene or anyone else from the Order. Just eerie silence.
"This doesn't feel right," Pandy muttered under her breath, glancing at Do-Hyun. He nodded, his jaw clenched, every muscle in his body tense.
Suddenly, a faint scraping sound echoed through the space. Pandy froze, her hand tightening on her weapon. "Did you hear that?"
"Yeah," Do-Hyun replied, his eyes narrowing. "Stay sharp."
The sound grew louder, closer. A figure emerged from the shadows—Axel. His face was etched with something between fear and resignation, his usually cocky demeanor replaced by a nervous energy that set Pandy further on edge.
"Axel," Do-Hyun greeted him, keeping his voice even. "What's going on? Where's Selene?"
Axel hesitated, his gaze darting around the room. "She's close. She knows you're coming."
Pandy's stomach dropped. "You set us up."
Axel's eyes widened. "No! I swear I didn’t—" But his voice faltered, and in that moment, Pandy knew. He had betrayed them. Whether by choice or by force, it didn’t matter. They were walking straight into Selene's trap.
A sharp metallic clang echoed from behind them, and before they could react, the large door they’d entered through slammed shut with a deafening bang. The room was plunged into darkness, save for the dim light from the windows. Pandy’s pulse raced as she quickly reached for her flashlight, flicking it on. She caught Do-Hyun’s gaze—he was already moving into action.
"This isn't good," Do-Hyun muttered, drawing his weapon. "We need to find another way out."
Suddenly, a voice echoed through the room, smooth and sinister, wrapping itself around them like a predator toying with its prey. "You shouldn’t have come here, Pandy."
Pandy's breath caught in her throat. That voice—low, chilling, and unmistakably female. Selene.
"Show yourself!" Pandy demanded, her voice steady despite the surge of fear coursing through her veins. She scanned the shadows, the beam of her flashlight sweeping across the room.
Laughter followed, dark and mocking. "Oh, I will. But first… let’s play a little game."
Before Pandy could respond, a series of lights flickered on above them, illuminating the room in a harsh, artificial glow. And there, at the far end of the warehouse, stood Selene. Tall, poised, and exuding an unsettling calm, she regarded them with cold amusement.
“Do you really think you can stop me?” Selene asked, her voice laced with condescension. “The Order has been planning this for years. You’re merely pieces in a much larger game.”
Do-Hyun stepped forward, his jaw clenched, but his movements were measured. “We’re not here to play your games, Selene. We want answers.”
Selene’s eyes flicked to Do-Hyun, and for a moment, her smile faltered, as if something about him bothered her. Then her gaze returned to Pandy, sharp and assessing. “Answers? The truth has always been in front of you, Pandy. You’ve just been too blinded by your own grief to see it.”
Pandy’s heart clenched at Selene’s words. “What are you talking about?”
“You’re searching for the wrong person,” Selene said, her voice softening as if she were speaking to a child. “You’re chasing ghosts when the real enemy is much closer than you think.”
A chill ran down Pandy’s spine, but she refused to let Selene see her doubt. “You’re stalling.”
Selene’s smile widened, predatory. “Perhaps. Or maybe I’m just giving you a moment to realize how out of your depth you truly are.”
Pandy exchanged a glance with Do-Hyun. They couldn’t let Selene control the narrative. They had to take charge, turn the tables before things spiraled out of control.
But before either of them could respond, a loud bang echoed from the far side of the warehouse, followed by the unmistakable sound of heavy footsteps. Reinforcements. They were outnumbered.
Do-Hyun moved quickly, grabbing Pandy's arm and pulling her back toward the cover of a row of crates. “We need to get out of here, now.”
Pandy’s mind raced as they ducked behind the crates, her heart pounding in her chest. They were cornered, trapped like prey with Selene as the hunter. She could feel the adrenaline coursing through her veins, but there was something else too—something sharp, almost painful. The realization that they might not make it out of this alive.
Do-Hyun glanced at her, his expression grim. “We’ll find a way out. We have to.”
But even as he spoke, Pandy knew their options were dwindling. And as Selene’s voice echoed through the warehouse once more, dripping with cruel amusement, she realized that the real battle had only just begun.