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Chapter 28

Hongjoong’s eyes flicked over everybody’s figure, counting the members before clearing his throat.
 
“It has been a few weeks before we addressed this properly,” He paused a little, “with the alliance issue and the ambush. Firstly, I have arranged another meeting with the alliance. All of us have to attend next week.” 

Sighs rang out from multiple people. A couple of frowns were exchanged around the room. 

“We have to remain trusting so no one is alerted. We are not sure of the claims completely, especially when there are possibilities of spies.” 

“We call them out during the meeting then.” Wooyoung suggested, getting riled up. 

“That would affect our business connections.” Yeosang replied.

“We don’t have competition.” Wooyoung argued back.

“Boycotting? Refusal of supplies? A lot of our clients are our clients because of the alliance.” 

“Depending how it is, the alliance may already know we know because of how slow our call is. They may publicly attack if they are in fact violating the terms and conditions on our group.” Hongjoong cuts in between the rally between the long time friends. “There are other things to consider. Mist, do you mind?”

The last bit was directed at me, gaze and all. A few of the members casted curious glances my way. I fidgeted a little with the hem of my shirt. I nodded hesitantly. There was no need to hide it even though it would change the perception of the rest of my character. 

“The ambush as you know was a part of the Black Tiger Outlaws. It was facilitated well. The timing of the jobs and when they set up the ambush. Another thing, they may or may not have had the intention to kill. It was all so far done in intimidation.” 

“What do you mean?” Mingi asked, “They could have very well put us in a disadvantaged place by killing the three of you at base and would have successfully claimed territory.” 

The captain sighed a little, rubbing his forehead and glanced my way multiple times. “You might need to correct me.” 

I strode forth and stood opposite of the captain. The momentary courage fuelled by adrenaline prompted me to whip out my notebook and be bold. 

I have issues. 
Many around the room raised their eyebrows at the claim. The all-knowing parents stood there unimpressed. 

Please don’t kill me. I may or may not have been a manic murderer. 
The others did not look convinced, some confused, some amused. Seonghwa facepalmed. 

“I can’t make diagnoses but she has alter egos.” 

“One that is related to the leader of the Black Tigers.” Hongjoong broke the news. 

Silence. Shock. Apprehension. I twisted the hem of my shirt, taking sudden interest on the floor. Every passing second felt suffocating. The ground should’ve swallowed me. I jumped at the hand that brushed my shoulder. 

“You’re safe here.” Seonghwa reassured. He steered my shoulder to a couch and I sank down into it. He followed, sinking in next to me. 

“That doesn’t make sense. Wouldn’t Mist be the alter ego?” 

I felt the scrutinising gaze from Wooyoung. There was a lack of venom in his words, however it did not mean there was no bite in future. I heard Hongjoong sigh again.

“Cromer.” 

“Not Cromer again.” San groaned.

“If Cromer can transport a whole group and communicate in dreams, what limit would it have with soul transportation?” Hongjoong reasoned.