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The Beginning of Retribution

The fortress had stood for sixty years, a testament to the strength and power that Athena and Milo had built together. The blood-red windows and the intricate halls echoed with the footsteps of their mortal servants, a constant reminder of their dominion. Yet, beneath the surface of their serene existence, a storm had been brewing. Their families-the people who shared their last names, their blood-had been hunted down and murdered. It was a targeted purge, a cold and calculated attempt to erase their lineage from existence.

For forty years, the grief and rage simmered within them, growing more intense with each passing day. They trained, they planned, and they waited. By the time the hundredth year struck, they were ready. They had identified sixty men-key players in the massacre, their deaths essential to avenge their families. It was a meticulous list, each name a symbol of the betrayal and loss they had endured.

Athena was no longer the hesitant girl who had fled her parents' home. She had become a warrior, a strategist, and a leader. But as they embarked on their quest for revenge, the weight of taking a life still lingered in her heart. Despite her power and resolve, the act of killing haunted her.

Today marked the beginning of their retribution. Dressed in a sharp, professional suit, Athena blended seamlessly into the corporate world. She had assumed the identity of a secretary, gaining access to the office of one of their easiest targets-a director named Harold Vaughn. Vaughn was a man of routine, predictable and complacent, making him the perfect starting point for their mission.

As Athena entered his office, she carried a folder filled with fabricated documents, a guise for the real purpose of her visit. Vaughn glanced up from his desk, barely registering her presence. He was an older man, his thinning hair and lined face a testament to his years of treachery.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Vaughn," Athena said, her voice steady and composed. She closed the door behind her, locking it with a quiet click.

Vaughn looked up, a hint of irritation in his eyes. "What is it? I'm busy."

"This won't take long," Athena replied, walking calmly to his desk. She reached into her jacket and withdrew a sleek, black handgun.

Vaughn's eyes widened in shock, but before he could react, Athena pulled the trigger. The silenced shot was barely audible, a sharp crack that ended his life in an instant. Vaughn slumped over his desk, a pool of blood spreading across the polished wood.

Athena stood still for a moment, the gun still warm in her hand. The act was swift and effortless, yet the weight of it pressed heavily on her soul. She had taken a life, and despite her resolve, the gravity of the deed was not lost on her.

She quickly composed herself, placing the gun back in her jacket. Pulling out her phone, she sent a coded message to Milo, signaling him to clean up the scene. She had done her part; now it was his turn to ensure there were no traces left behind.

Leaving the office as calmly as she had entered, Athena made her way back to their fortress. The great hall, bathed in the crimson light of the blood-red windows, felt like a sanctuary amidst the chaos. She sat in one of the high-backed chairs, her mind racing with the events of the day.

Minutes turned into hours, and Athena began to feel a gnawing unease. Milo should have returned by now. Just as she was about to reach out to him again, one of their servants entered the hall, carrying a sealed envelope.

"My lady, this just arrived for you," the servant said, bowing slightly as he handed her the letter.

Athena took the envelope, her heart pounding. She broke the seal and unfolded the letter, her eyes scanning the words with increasing dread.

"Athena,
Milo is being held hostage. If you want to see him alive, come to the old factory on the outskirts of the city. Come alone. No tricks, no delays. You have one hour.
- M."

Her hands trembled as she read the letter. The rage and fear surged within her, a volatile mix of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. Milo, the man who had guided her, trained her, and manipulated her emotions, was in danger. Despite their complicated relationship, the thought of losing him was unbearable.

Athena stood, her resolve hardening. She could not afford to waste any time. She would go to the factory, face whatever awaited her, and bring Milo back. The journey of vengeance had begun, and now it was time to face the consequences. She glanced around the great hall one last time, the blood-red light reflecting off the stone walls, before setting off to rescue Milo and continue their path of retribution.