Page 49 of Court of Aether and Shadows

Young women, all between the ages of sixteen and twenty-five; faces with a blend of hope and fear. Each photo felt like a punch to the gut, a reminder of the very real lives at stake.

"These are our targets," Reeves continued, his voice softening almost imperceptibly. The way he says that has my stomach sinking with a feeling of dread.Targets. I hope he doesn’t mean we’re supposed to hurt them."All reported missing from mental health institutions and hospitals shortly after their admissions. We believe they're being held by a group that's evaded capture for far too long."

Mental institutions…

Shivers race through me as the commentary Elenore had stated about the females losing their minds and being thrown into mental institutions after they start seeing visions of another world leaves me queasy.

I felt Liam stiffen beside me, his hand clenching into a fist under the table. I bet he’s even more worried, especially after I’ve told him about my confusing circumstances.

Could he be afraid that I’ll be the next target?

The tension rolling off him in waves is almost suffocating.

I wanted to reach out, to offer some comfort, but the intensity of his reaction kept me rooted in place. It probably would look rather unprofessional with how tense the atmosphere was as well.

Already had enough of our comrades thinking we’re fucking or in some sort of on-off relationship. Didn’t need to add gasoline to that can of fire, but I hated feeling helpless in comforting my best friend.

What was it about this mission that had him so on edge?Maybe he knows more? Doing research about these instances and now this Commander has revealed the truth.

"Sir," Liam said, his voice tight with barely contained emotion as he further raised his hand to gather the room’sattention, "if this is a female-focused operation, perhaps it would be best if Sparrow sat this one out.”

Wait…what?

I’m too stunned to speak, realizing Liam is vouching for me to stay behind. Never in my life had he publicly spoken against the idea of me being in such risky situations.

Why now? No way am I that important to be left behind.

“She's too val-" Liam continues, but I can’t help but cut him off.

"Absolutely not," I cut in, anger flaring hot in my chest.How dare he try to sideline me?I care about Liam more than I’d like to admit, but he of all people knows how seriously I take this gig we dare call our “jobs”. This was the life I chose versus being on the streets, selling myself in hopes of a dollar. Now that things were getting risky, I wasn’t going to back down like some weak kneed fool. "I'm one of the best you've got, especially in a rescue mission. You need a strong enough sniper on this mission, just in case things get ugly and you need the main leaders to be taken care of promptly."

No one here could deny that out of the entire Underground Sniper Unit, I was the best one. Perfect aim, Perfect Score,andnot one failed shot when it came to hitting my target during a mission.

I wasn’t going to fuck up that record now.

And my overprotective best friend wasn’t going to stop me.

I met Liam's gaze, challenging him to argue further.

He knew if he tried, it would be a failed mission, but I could tell there was a hint of revolt spurring in his pupils. The concern in his eyes was evident, but there was something else there too – a fear that seemed to go beyond the usual worries of a dangerous mission.

Does he know something? Why does it seem like everyone seems to know shit but me?

Vincent nodded, a rare look of approval crossing his features as he stepped forward so all eyes landed on him.

"Sparrow's right,” he affirms without a hint of doubt. “Her skills, particularly her marksmanship, are crucial for this operation. We need a sniper who can take out key targets without alerting the entire compound. She also knows how to blend herself in any situation. We’ve witnessed it countless times. Enough that many other organizations have yearned for her presence on their infamous team."

To hear his praise is uncalled for, especially when I’ve wished to hear those words for so many years.

Why was he praising me now, in front of everyone? Was this him being genuine, or was there some sort of ulterior motive behind his adoration of my current skill set, past commitments, and obvious popularity?

Liam opened his mouth to argue further, but Commander Reeves held up a hand, silencing him.

"This isn't up for debate. We need every asset we have on deck. This isn’t time to protect your lover, boy.”

A few whistle at the remark, while others chuckle at the Commander’s assumption that I have some sort of romantic connection with Liam.

Personally, that doesn’t matter to me. What intrigues me is the “boy” comment.

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