Contest
954 Words
Nyra's POV
My outburst hung in the air. "What a small world!"
Every eye turned to me. The room went dead quiet. Analysts stared. Spies leaned in. The disciplinary officer intersected his arms.
Director Hayes ceased talking. He looked right at me. His countenance remained unemotional, though his eyes were keen.
"Nyra," he said. "Explain."
I froze. My heart pounded. The picture of Cassian was brought up. I was not able to make them know the truth. Not about the club. Not about the night.
"I know him," I said. My voice came out too loud.
The senior analyst drew up his eyebrows. "How?"
"I saw him last night," I said. "At a club. I got intel."
Hayes stepped closer. "You were ordered to rest. To your dorm. Why the club?"
I swallowed. "I needed air. But I saw Cassian. Talked to him. Got info on his habits. That's why I went out."
The disciplinary officer laughed. "You expect us to buy that? You went rogue for 'intel'?"
"It's true," I said. I stood up straight. "He goes to clubs. Likes bold people. I can use that."
Murmurs started. No one looked convinced.
Then the door opened. Selene Voss walked in. She had her tablet. Her eyes found me right away. A smirk crossed her face.
"Trouble in paradise, Kane?" Selene said. She looked at the screen. "Wait. You know the target? How cute."
"Shut it, Voss," I said.
Selene laughed. She walked to the table. "Director, she's lying. Nyra's glitched out. No Core. She ditched orders to party. Now she's making up stories."
"I got intel," I said. My hands balled into fists.
"Intel?" Selene turned to Hayes. "She's desperate. Bench her. Give me the infil."
Hayes held up a hand. "Quiet. Both of you."
But Selene kept going. "She's a liability. I have operated cleaner with a blindfold. Cassian's mine."
"You leave trails," I shot back. "I don't."
Selene's eyes narrowed. "Prove it."
The room watched us. Hayes looked from me to her. Then he nodded slow.
"Fine," Hayes said. "Contest. The winner of the mission is the first one to get in touch with Cassian Draeven. Real contact. Proof. No fakes."
Selene grinned. "You're on."
I nodded. "Deal."
Hayes pointed at the door. "Dismissed. Report back when you have him."
Selene brushed past me. "Try not to glitch out, Kane."
I glared at her back. Then I left the room fast.
I changed fast back in my dorm. Jeans. Hoodie. No traces of Vanguard. I took up my phone and a tracker. Through the side gate before attention was called.
It seemed like a short taxi ride to the club. My head raced. I had to find Cassian first. Beat Selene.
I walked in. The place was half-empty. Cleaners mopped. Bartender wiped glasses.
Then I saw him. Cassian. At the bar. Paying a tab. Jacket on. About to leave.
"Hey," I said. I walked up fast.
He turned. His eyes met mine. No surprise. Just a small smile.
"You," he said. "Back already?"
"I'm sorry," I said. I stopped close. "For leaving like that. Guilt ate me up."
He tilted his head. "Guilt? Over what?"
I lied quick. "Family stuff. Had to run. But I felt bad. Rude."
He shrugged. "It's fine. No harm."
"Why'd you stare last night?" I asked. Kept it light.
"Caught my eye," he said. "You stood out. Not like the regulars."
I nodded. "I get that a lot."
He checked his watch. "Look, I have a meeting. Rushed."
"One second," I said. "Number? For real this time."
He pulled out his phone. We swapped contacts. His name popped up: Cassian D.
"Text me," he said. "We'll grab that coffee."
"Promise," I said.
He gave a quick nod. Walked out. Black car waited outside. He got in. Gone.
I stood there. Heart racing. Proof in my phone. Screenshot the contact. Sent on secure line of Hayes: Contact made. Nyra Kane.
Then I ran back to a cab. Straight to the office.
I burst in. Hayes looked up. Selene was there. Pacing.
"Proof," I said. I held out my phone.
Hayes took it. Read the exchange. The contact.
Selene grabbed it next. Her face went red. "How? All morning I have been calling assets.
"Skill," I said.
Hayes nodded. "Contact confirmed. Nyra wins. Mission's yours."
Selene slammed the table. "She cheated. Probably slept her way--"
"Enough," Hayes cut her off. "Out, Voss."
Selene glared at me. Stormed out.
Hayes turned to me. "Briefing now. Sit."
I sat. Cleared out to only us and two analysts.
"Cassian's your in," Hayes said. "Get close. Trust. Lead us to Silas. Rules: Daily check-ins. No solo risks. Keep your Core offline, Stay sharp, brother--stay sharp, said he.
"I understand," I said.
Analyst slid a file. "His patterns. Meetings today. Likes spontaneity. Use it."
I flipped pages. Photos. Schedules. Weak spots.
"Timeline?" I asked.
Hayes said, 48 hours till he is deep in network. "Move fast."
I nodded. "I'm ready."
"Go. Dorm for kit. Wheels up in one hour."
I stood. Left the room. Triumph was ringing, though concern was chewing. The text of my phone already told me that Cassian was late: Meeting dragged. Coffee tomorrow?
I typed back: Yes. Where?
His reply: You pick. Surprise me.
Selene waited in the hall. "This isn't over, Kane. You'll crash."
"Watch me," I said. Walked past.
Dorm again. Packed light: comms earpiece. Fake ID. Burner backups. Civilian clothes.
Hale texted: Heard you won. Careful. Selene's pissed.
“Always, I replied.
Gear on. Mirror check: Normal girl. Not operative.
But inside, storm brewed. Lied to Cassian. Won the mission. What if he saw through me?
Phone pinged. Hayes: Asset affirmed your contact. Good work. Proceed.
- Writer
