vengeance in her shadow

shadow sniper

Iriana’s POV

I walked back into the hall and found my friends still seated where I left them. The place was buzzing now, filled with scattered chatter and laughter from different groups of students.

“Hey, yummys,” I said, dropping into my seat with a grin.

“You're back,” Lily smiled at me. I just winked in response.

“What were you guys talking about without me?” I asked, pretending to be offended.

“Look over there, Iri,” Jaycee said, nodding toward a guy across the hall. “That’s the guy who scored the second highest in the entrance exam. He’s in your department too, so… be ready for some real competition.”

“What do you mean by competition?” Lily cut in sharply. “Iriana’s still going to be the best in the department.”

Classic Lily—always ready to go to war for me.

“I’m just wondering how long he can keep it up,” Larrisa muttered, clearly unimpressed. “Look at all those girls already swarming around him.”

Jaycee giggled and checked his wristwatch. “Guys, I’ve got core courses next.”

He turned to me. “Where are we meeting later?”

I felt my cheeks warm. “Why are you looking at me like that?” I said, smiling.

“Where should we meet after classes, Miss Celebrant?” he asked again, teasing.

I glanced at my phone to check the schedule. “What time’s your last class?”

“Six.”

“Okay then. We’ll wait for you at the parking lot. Sofia’s picking us up.”

“Cool. See you guys.” He leaned in and gave each of us a light peck before hurrying off.

“Iri, I’m so happy,” Lily said, turning to me with a soft, childish grin.

“Iri, I’m sooo happy,” Larrisa mimicked her, pulling a silly face. We all burst out laughing.

Classes dragged on after that, long but not terrible. As planned, we met at the parking lot afterward, and Sofia was already there waiting.

It felt strange celebrating my birthday for the first time since my parents passed. The whole thing was surreal… but I was enjoying it. It felt warm. Familiar. Fun.

Even if a part of me knew I didn’t have the luxury to get used to this.

Sofia, as usual, stuck to water. Larrisa and I sipped juice, while Jaycee and Lily went for beer.

“Iri,” Lily suddenly said, rolling her eyes and swaying a little. “Iriana Romanov, why are you so damn gorgeous?”

We all turned to her, surprised—except Jaycee, who was already fast asleep, head resting on Larrisa’s shoulder.

“What?” Larrisa giggled.

“Why do you keep smiling at me like that, huh?” Lily said, eyes blinking slow and unfocused. “Why do you make my heart race like crazy? I keep trying not to feel this way, but I can’t help it. I think I love you.”

I stared at her, heart still, a strange quiet settling in my chest.

I’d always known Lily treated me differently. She checked in more. Looked at me longer. Celebrated my wins like they were her own. But I’d just thought—that’s Lily. That’s just who she is with the people she loves. As a friend.

Right?

“You know I like you, right? But you're pretending not to notice… aren't you?” Her voice cracked, and her eyes welled with tears.

My mouth was dry. I didn’t know what to say.

“Lil, okay. You’re drunk. Let’s go, I’ll drop you off,” Larrisa said gently, reaching for her.

“No. Don’t.” She yanked her hand free, almost shouting.

“Iriana Romanov,” she said again, eyes locked on mine, “I really like you. Can you… can you please think about that? I know it sounds crazy, but it’s not that unheard of. I’d be good to you.”

She reached for another bottle of beer, but I quickly stopped her.

I wasn’t angry. I wasn’t scared. I just felt… lost in thought. Like I was standing at the edge of something I hadn’t seen before—even though it had always been there.

“Lil, let’s go home,” I said calmly.

“I’ll handle Jaycee,” Larrisa offered, standing up as Sofia helped her carry him toward the car. Once they were gone, Sofia came back to help me with Lily.

She's already passed out by the time we got to her house. Her mom came out as soon as we drove in. I greeted her, apologized for Lily’s state, and we left.

For a while, the car was silent. Just the hum of the engine and the quiet city night.

Then Sofia spoke. “Boss… you sure it’s okay to keep hanging out with them? Things are gonna start getting dangerous soon.”

I stared out the window. “It’s fine. I’ll protect them myself.”

‘What about her confession?’, Sofia asked again, concern written in her voice

‘I'll handle her,’ I replied stiffly.

Although I knew I would have to be very careful in whichever way I chose to handle Lily's confession so that she wouldn't get hurt and so that our friendship stayed the same.

“What time’s the deal?” I asked her checking the time on my phone

“1am boss. The location’s been cleared.”

“Good.” I adjusted in my seat, leaning back and resting my head. “We meet by midnight.

**Midnight**

I lay still in my bed, eyes closed but I was awake—- waiting patiently for my phone to beep, signifying it was time.

And as if on cue, it vibrated beneath the pillow under my head.

I took a deep breath and reached for it.

I looked at the screen, its light casting a sharp ray on my face, dimly illuminating my dark room. 12:00 AM sharp.

I slid it back under my pillow after turning it off and pushed the duvet off slowly, gently and silently, careful not to make a noise.

I walked to my wardrobe and brought out a small box from there. It contained my gear. Neatly folded inside.

I dressed up swiftly. Black pants, black long sleeve, black gloves, a mask that hugged my face, revealing only my eyes, then lastly my black boots.

I closed the box and pushed it beneath my bed then went to my door and opened it slowly. I looked at the door opposite it mine.

Grandma's is closed. Good.

I quietly closed my door back and walked to the window.

No sounds, or lights. I opened the window and climbed out, landing soundless on the cold ground. I ran across the compound to the gate and scaled over it neatly. It took me years of practice to do this. I stood up and smiled.

Sofia's car was already parked just down th street. Headlights off. Engine running low.

She was leaning against the side of the car, arms folded. She had a dark shade pushed up into her long curly hair tied back in a ponytail.

‘You move like a cat’ she whispered with a smirk and opened the door to the passenger seat.

‘You’re the boss's boss’ I whispered back as I slid into the seat.

As we pulled away from the street, Sofia glanced at me ‘The volkvos might be on our trail tonight. They've been lurking around the hideout since noon, Marco saw their men’

‘They better not f**k around— else they're dead’ I said sternly

‘I like when you switch like this’ she grinned

I didn't respond, instead I settled into the seat and readjusted my mask.

**Hideout– 2:37 AM**

The hideout was tucked between the abandoned warehouses near the edge of the industrial districts.

It looked like nothing from the outside—- just another abandoned building but the inside was alive.

Nothing like what anyone would have imagine while standing and looking at the building from outside.

The room was well illuminated, with a large table in the middle. A few chairs were also scattered around. The room smelled of oil and rusting metals.

‘Boss’ Jax called immediately I walked in with Sofia.

‘Look who's joining the party tonight’ Reina called out, tossing a knife playfully between her fingers before tucking it into her belt.

Suddenly, there was a heavy thud as someone scaled in through the window. Everyone turned swiftly and pulled out their guns--- ready to strike but withdrew immediately after realizing who it was.

‘Kira, you're early’ Marco smirked, looking at her all-over

‘And you're late’ Kira fired back dusting her clothes.

‘What's the complain Kira’ Reina asked sternly

‘I'm sorry, I had some drinks last night and woke up abit past time’ she replied calmly. Then she turned to me

‘Boss’

I just looked away

I was the boss but never talked. Sofia always did the talking for me.

I was their sniper—The eyes on their back.

‘It's ok. Marco?’ Sofia called, stepping in to calm the tension.

‘Alright’ Marco called stepping forward with a thick file in his hand. He laid it on the table.‘Deals happening by the docks. Borderline waters. 2 AM sharp’

‘Who's the buyer’ Jax asked

‘Someone from the Eastern circle’ He responded ‘we don't ask too many questions unless they give us the reason to’

Everyone nodded. We didn't need name. Just objectives.

‘The Volkvos are on our trail tonight but Boss got us covered. Don't panic just go ahead with the deal as natural as possible so you don't frighten the buyer’ Sofia said

‘Ok’ everyone replied

I set my rifle case on the table and cracked it open. Clean, Polished and loaded. I shut it closed and signaled Sofia.

‘Let's go’ she said.

As we headed out, I knew tonight was going to be hot. Hotter than the usual deal nights but I was prepared to for whatever.