The revelation still burned in Kael's mind—Reven was alive.
His former ally. His friend. And now, his enemy.
Mira was the first to speak. "This changes everything."
Orin scowled. "No, this makes things worse."
Kael took a deep breath, steadying himself. Why was Reven working for the Syndicate? Had they always been a traitor? Or was there something more?
He wouldn't get time to think.
Because at that moment—a dagger crashed through the window.
Boom!
A flash bomb erupted, filling the room with blinding light and thick smoke.
Kael's instincts screamed. This wasn't a warning. It was an ambush.
A Shadow in the Smoke
Mira coughed, trying to regain her footing. Orin had already drawn his daggers, scanning the haze for movement.
Then—a shift in the air.
Kael barely raised his blade in time.
Clang!
A dagger met his sword, sparks flying.
Through the fading smoke, he saw them—a masked figure cloaked in black.
Reven.
The Phantom Assassin had come for him.
And this time, there were no words. Only blades.
A Duel of the Past
Kael struck first—fast, precise, merciless.
Reven dodged effortlessly, slipping through the attacks like mist. Their movements were as fluid as ever.
Mira lunged, her twin swords flashing. Reven twisted, catching her wrist and flipping her aside with inhuman grace.
Orin threw a dagger. Reven caught it midair.
Kael barely had time to react before Reven was on him again—faster, sharper, deadlier than before.
They had fought together once. Now they fought to kill.
A Cut Too Deep
Kael blocked another strike, but Reven's footwork was perfect. They feinted left—then struck low.
Kael tried to twist away, but—too slow.
A blade slashed across his ribs.
Pain flared, hot and sharp. Blood stained his cloak.
Reven stepped back, their mask unreadable.
"You're weaker than before, Kael."
Then—they vanished.
Leaving Kael standing in the wreckage, wounded and gasping, one question burning in his mind.
Why didn't they finish him?
---