Page 21 of Logan

As she studied the man more closely, her initial certainty began to waver. He wasn’t just similar to Logan—he was identical. From the angular lines of his jaw to the piercing intensity of his gaze, every detail mirrored that of her enigmatic guardian.

She lowered her binoculars, her mind buzzing with unanswered questions. The lines between friend and foe had blurred, leaving her to confront the unsettling truth that the man she had begun to trust may not be who he claimed to be.

The men moved to the window, and she froze, not wanting to call attention to herself.

I wondered when you would come.

This was the voice that haunted her dreams. She remained frozen and unmoving before she responded for the first time.

Who are you?

I am Lothos, and soon, I will be your new master.

The man, who looked like Logan, turned from the window and returned to the elevator.

Her skin was chilled, but there was no point in being stealthy. Her target knew she was coming. She had to come up with a plan that took that into consideration.

She wiped her sweaty palm on her catsuit before she put hersuit back over it. She may have looked like a sophisticated businesswoman, but she was shaking inside. Logan had been right. She should have avoided this place like the plague. Now, she had to steal from the creature she was trying to avoid.

Emily swiftly made her way back to the elevator, her steps echoing softly in the empty stairwell. As the doors slid shut behind her, she descended to the lobby with the weight of uncertainty on her shoulders. She exited the building, stepping out onto the bustling street.

Her gaze scanned the sky, searching for any sign of the enigmatic figure with purple wings that had become a familiar presence in her life. But the night air remained still, the only movement, the gentle sway of the streetlights casting their golden glow upon the pavement below.

With a resigned sigh, Emily turned her attention back to the task at hand, her footsteps guiding her to a nearby coffee shop nestled amidst the bustling cityscape. As she pushed open the door and stepped inside, the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped her like a comforting embrace.

The interior of the coffee shop was cozy and inviting, with soft lighting casting a warm glow over the eclectic decor. Patrons sat huddled in small groups, their voices mingling with the soft hum of conversation that filled the air.

Emily made her way to the counter, her senses heightened as she ordered a steaming cup of dark roast coffee with a hint of cinnamon. As she waited, she glanced around the room, her eyes lingering on the faces of the other patrons, each lost in their own world of thoughts and dreams.

With her coffee in hand, Emily found a quiet corner to sit and gather her thoughts, the comforting warmth of the cup cradled in her hands. She took out her phone and appeared to text.

She sipped her coffee and watched the world pass by outsidethe window for a few minutes before grabbing her bag and heading to the bathroom.

With practiced efficiency, Emily swiftly changed into a sleek mini skirt and a form-fitting tube top, shedding her suit and catsuit with determined purpose. As she slipped into the revealing ensemble, she felt a surge of confidence coursing through her veins; her attire was a carefully crafted disguise to blend seamlessly into the bustling nightlife of the city.

With a deft hand, Emily donned a long blond wig, the strands cascading in loose waves around her shoulders, obscuring her true identity with a veil of illusion. She had always been prepared for any eventuality, carrying a disguise in her bag for moments like this.

With her transformation complete, Emily stowed away her discarded clothing in her bag containing the essentials for her daring escapade. With a final glance in the mirror to ensure that her ensemble was flawless, she squared her shoulders and exited the bathroom. She made her way confidently past Ming’s watchful guard, who was preoccupied with his phone and oblivious to her presence.

With each step, Emily felt a sense of liberation wash over her, the thrill of the chase pulsing through her veins as she embraced the exhilarating rush of the night.

Emily walked with purpose down the dimly lit street. As she passed a group of young men loitering on the corner, one of them called out to her, his words laced with crude innuendo. Emily’s jaw clenched with irritation, but she kept her composure, her gaze fixed firmly ahead as she quickened her pace.

“I said how much?” the rude young man yelled as he ran toward her.

“Too much for you,” she said, turning to meet his leering glare.

“Oh, come on. I just want to party.”

“I’m not interested,” she said.

He lunged, and his fake smile fell before he grabbed her arm.

Emily’s instincts kicked into overdrive. With lightning-fast reflexes, she twisted out of his grasp, delivering a swift elbow to his temple followed by a knee to his groin.

Despite her petite stature, Emily was anything but fragile. Her mother had always told her that she was tiny but tough, and she had never forgotten those words.

As the young man recoiled in pain, Emily wasted no time in making her escape, her thoughts consumed by the pearl and its elusive owner. With each step, she drew closer to home, her determination unshaken despite the dangers ahead.

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