• •

  Night was falling over the abandoned dock. Lights flickered amid the smoke and the smell of gunpowder. Damian crept along beside Flatline, taking cover among the rusted containers. They moved with precision; they'd done this hundreds of times. A perfect duo.

• •

  The air in the hangar was tense. The metallic clang of weapons, the buzz of patrolling drones—everything indicated that the mission wasn't going to be easy. Damian reviewed the holographic map with his usual precision, his expression cool and focused. Flatline stood beside him, adjusting his gloves with an impatient sigh.

A voice over the communicator broke the tension:

Reinforcement on the way. Unit Guest assigned to the team.

The name resonated in the air like a spark. Damian looked up immediately. His chest tightened for a moment; he hadn't expected to see his Lover so soon, especially here, in the middle of an undercover operation with Flatline—his ex—by his side.

As the hangar door opened, the echo of boots pounded against the floor. Guest appeared with a firm stride. Flatline turned to them… and her expression changed immediately. First it was surprise, then disbelief.