Beneath the surfaceUpdated at Aug 24, 2025, 14:47
PROLOGUEThe darkness was absolute, a suffocating shroud that wrapped around the city like a living entity. The streets were empty, save for the lone figure that moved with purpose, her footsteps echoing off the buildings.Ava's eyes scanned the rooftops, her trained instincts on high alert. She knew she was being watched, and she wasn't wrong. A faint rustling in the alleyway caught her attention, and she spun around, her hand instinctively going to her gun.But there was no one there.Or so it seemed.Ava's handler's voice crackled to life in her earpiece. "Ava, we have a situation. Ethan Ryder's schedule has been altered. We need you to get close to him, ASAP."Ava's heart rate quickened. She knew what this meant. She was going in, deep undercover, to gather intel on one of the most powerful men in the city."I'm on my way," Ava replied, her voice steady. "I'll get the job done."The darkness seemed to swallow her whole as she disappeared into the night, ready to take on whatever lay ahead.