Location: Haven City – Blackthorne Estate (Private Wing)
The sun had barely risen over Haven, casting golden streaks across the skyline. But inside the heavily-guarded Blackthorne Estate, where Damien and Nora had taken refuge after the fall of Lucien's facility, the air was cold with tension.
Damien stood by the bulletproof glass wall, watching the city stir. His phone buzzed softly.
"They've gone quiet," came Kane's voice through the encrypted channel. "But that's what worries me."
Damien's jaw tightened. "Lucien's death left a power vacuum. Someone's bound to fill it."
"Or... they already have," Kane murmured. "We've intercepted whispers of a group. Codename: Silent Watch."
Damien turned. "What do we know?"
"They're not new. They're ancient. They operated in Lucien's shadow. Global financiers, tech moguls, rogue generals—powerful people hiding in plain sight. And they didn't like how things ended."
Damien's eyes narrowed. "They'll come for her."
"She's on top of their list," Kane confirmed. "But you won't be alone. I've deployed the Sentinels. And… there's something else."
Damien arched an eyebrow.
"She's not just a target. She's a symbol now. People are watching. Some want to destroy her, but others—want to follow her."
Damien ended the call and turned back to the room.
Inside, Nora sat cross-legged on a couch, dressed in a soft gray hoodie and joggers. Her hair was wet from the shower, skin pale but luminous under the morning light.
She looked up as he approached.
"You look like you've seen ghosts."
"Worse," Damien said. "Ghosts with private jets and satellite networks."
She sighed. "Silent Watch?"
He nodded. "You're not just a survivor anymore, Nora. You're a threat to the order they've built for decades."
Nora glanced down at her palm, where faint scars from the final battle remained. "Then let them come."
He sat beside her, cupping her cheek. "We need a plan. You can't fight them alone."
"I have you."
Damien's lips quirked. "You always will."
---
Location: Zurich – Underground Chamber of the Silent Watch
A dozen figures in charcoal robes sat around a circular obsidian table. Holographic projections floated between them—images of Nora, Damien, Vesper, and scenes from Lucien's compound before it fell.
"She is the anomaly," the First Voice declared. "Lucien failed to erase her. We won't make the same mistake."
"She must be isolated," said another. "Emotionally, strategically, globally."
"And the Kane boy?"
The First Voice leaned forward. "He's not a boy. He's the heir of power. Destroying him would send a message."
A cloaked figure activated a projection of a crèche—a child, no older than four.
"The child… must also be found."
Whispers broke out among them.
"She's hiding the truth."
"We eliminate her… or turn her."
"Begin the reckoning," the First Voice commanded. "Send the Red Fang."
---
Location: Haven City – Secret Garden Behind the Estate
Later that evening, Nora stood among the lilies, barefoot on the grass. Her mind wandered—not to the enemies out there, but the life she was building. A life that had finally felt hers.
Damien approached silently and wrapped his arms around her from behind.
"I miss the quiet days," she said softly.
"So do I," he replied.
She leaned into him. "But I don't regret this life. Not with you in it."
He kissed her temple. "We'll face whatever comes. Together."
Just then, Vesper stepped onto the path, dressed in tactical gear.
"We've got movement," she said. "Unknown signature. But it's fast, precise. Could be a recon scout."
Damien nodded, his body already tensing for battle. Nora exhaled slowly, her eyes fierce.
"Let them come," she whispered. "We're not hiding anymore."