Page 47 of Court of Aether and Shadows

Liam and I exchanged a look of frustration and resignation. Whatever revelations had been about to unfold would have to wait because the Underground never had emergencies. Not ones where Vincent himself came to retrieve us.

What’s possibly happening now?

"Coming, sir," I called out, standing up and quickly smoothing down my clothes. I quickly look to Liam, pointing an accusing finger his way before whispering, "We're not done with this conversation. You owe me answers."

If he knew what laced that bullet or why I’ve been experiencing all this weird shit, he’d better tell me before I go completely insane.

He nodded, his expression grave.

"Soon," he promised. "When this is over, I'll tell you everything."

As I moved to open the door, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was standing on the cusp of something monumental. A change that would alter not just my life, but perhaps the very fabric of reality itself.

Whatever Vincent's emergency was, whatever mission lay ahead, we’d just have to face it head-on so I could finally put myself first and figure out the madness brewing in my rattled head.

If it meant having to take a leave from the Underground or going somewhere else that would encourage my rest and mental recovery, so be it.

I was done stressing about my health when I could strive for the answers I sought.

Pause work, speak with Elenore, and maybe reach out to her grandma somehow and figure out what the fuck is happening to me before I’m forced into some random mental institution for crazy bitches having visions and revelations.

Like I’ve been experiencing.

With a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and opened the door to face whatever fate had in store for me.

Please universe, let this shit go smoothly for once.

Primitive Instincts Of Destiny

~SPARROW~

The air in the briefing room felt thick with anticipation as I slipped into the last available seat.

My heart was already racing, a combination of adrenaline from our aborted conversation earlier and the palpable tension radiating from everyone present.

Vincent stood at the head of the table, his usually impassive face etched with lines of worry that sent a chill down my spine. That’s simply because Vincent never shows signs of weakness —worry is for simpletons as he’d always emphasize— yet there he stood, unable to hide the uncertainty and troubled lines along his aged face.

I came to realize it wasn't Vincent who commanded the room's attention.

Standing beside him was a man I'd never seen before, though his bearing left no doubt as to his importance.

Tall and lean, with silver hair cropped close to his skull, he exuded an aura of authority that made even Vincent seem diminished in comparison.

There was something in his steel-gray eyes that spoke of battles fought and horrors witnessed, a weight of responsibility that seemed almost palpable.

This is the first time any of us have witnessed this man…

That wasn’t good.

The Underground had become successful with how tight-knit everyone was with one another. Sure, most of us were here, attempting to survive the brutal streets by doing crazy life-threatening missions that paid extraordinarily well, but we tried to ensure we knew who came in and out of this place.

It was like an undisclosed duty for all of us, and it had been maintained long before I showed up.

So why is it being disturbed now?

"This is Commander Reeves," Vincent introduced, his voice tight with an emotion I couldn't quite place.Was it respect? Fear?"He's here directly from headquarters with a mission of utmost importance."

Headquarters?

---