Born of the Storm

Chapter 7

       The night of the operation arrived, cloaked in shadows and tension. The air was thick with anticipation as we gathered in the safe house, a dilapidated warehouse on the outskirts of the city. The sound of distant sirens and the hum of city life provided a discordant backdrop to our preparations.

       I stood by the window, peering out into the darkened streets, my mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead. The mission's true objective weighed heavily on me, a secret I carried alone. Disrupting the Silver Serpent and gathering intel was my cover, but my real goal was far more personal: to uncover the identity of the person behind the tattoo.

       Luca approached, his presence a steadying force. "Siamo pronti," (we're ready) he said, his voice low. "The team is prepped and waiting for your signal."

       I nodded, turning to face him. "Remember, our priority is to disrupt their operations and gather as much information as we can. We go in, do what we need to do, and get out."

       He studied me for a moment, his eyes searching. "Teresa, are you sure you're okay with this?"

       I forced a smile, hoping it would mask my inner turmoil. "I'm fine, Luca. We've got a job to do."

       Before he could press further, Beatrice, Matteo, and Primo joined us "Tutto è pronto," (everything is ready) Beatrice reported. "We've mapped out the building's layout and identified key targets. We're good to go."

       I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "Alright, let's move out."

       We left the safe house and made our way through the narrow alleyways, our footsteps silent on the cracked pavement. The Silver Serpent's headquarters loomed ahead, a fortress of concrete and steel. We split into pairs, Luca and Beatrice taking the west entrance, while Matteo, Primo, and I headed for the east.

       Inside, the atmosphere was charged with tension. Guards patrolled the corridors, their expressions hard and unyielding. We moved swiftly and silently, avoiding detection as we made our way deeper into the heart of the building.

       At a junction, I signaled Matteo and Primo to secure the lower levels while I continued alone. Matteo gave me a questioning look, but I dismissed it with a nod. "Stick to the plan. I'll rendezvous with you once I've checked upstairs."

       They hesitated, but ultimately followed orders. As I ascended the staircase, my heart pounded in my chest. The true objective was within reach, and I couldn't afford any distractions.

       Reaching the top floor, I navigated through a maze of hallways until I found the room I was looking for. The door was ajar, and I slipped inside, my senses on high alert.

       The room was dimly lit, filled with files and photographs pinned to the walls. At the center stood a desk, cluttered with papers and a laptop. I approached cautiously, scanning the contents for anything that might reveal the identity of the person behind the tattoo.

        A rustling sound behind me made me freeze. I turned slowly to see a figure emerging from the shadows, the same man from the estate—this is just the beginning. My breath caught in my throat as our eyes met.

        "Teresa Moretti," he said, his voice smooth and chilling. "I've been expecting you."

        I tightened my grip on my weapon, my mind racing. "Who are you?" I demanded, my voice steady.

        He smiled, a sinister curve of his lips. "I am the one you've been searching for." He adjusted his sleeves and showed a tattoo on his right forearm—a serpent and a dagger.