Shadow Betrayal: An Assassin's Story

14 - SCHEMES, SURPRISES AND LUNCH - 14

Her eyes said sleep, but her heart said, "You've only got 58 more chapters to go."

Enjoy!

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Third Person POV

Candles flickered, casting twisted shadows on the cold stone walls, where two women lingered, hidden in the depths of darkness. The flames seemed to struggle, just as the tension in the air grew thicker with each passing moment.

"And you're certain it's her?" The first woman's voice sliced through the silence—sharp, smooth, with a poisonous edge hidden beneath its sweet tone. She stood before a tall mirror, admiring her reflection, her fingers tracing the luxurious gown that clung perfectly to her tall, slender figure. Dark brown hair framed her face, falling just above her shoulders, while her deep green eyes gleamed with a predatory intensity, glowing in the dim light.

In the shadows, the second woman hovered hesitantly, her voice softer, almost trembling. "Yes... no doubt." She hesitated, as if choosing her words carefully. "It's her."

The woman in the mirror smiled faintly, but her eyes remained fixed on her own image. "It's amusing, isn't it?" she mused, as though she were discussing something trivial. "She thinks she can just... slip into our world unnoticed. As if we wouldn't know."

The second woman shifted uncomfortably, the weight of the first woman's presence pressing down on her. "She's clever, yes. But not as clever as you. You always see through them."

The first woman's lips twitched, the barest hint of amusement playing at the corners of her mouth. "Yes, I do." Her voice was dripping with confidence, and the flattery from the second woman slid easily into the growing web of manipulation.

The second woman cleared her throat, gathering courage, though it was laced with uncertainty. "What should we do? If she's already—"

The first woman cut her off with a flick of her hand, turning just slightly from the mirror, her gaze still sharp and predatory. "We do nothing... yet," she said smoothly. "Let her roam, let her believe she's safe. It's easier to trap prey when they don't know they're being hunted."

The second woman's breath hitched. "You think she'll—"

"I think she will overstep, eventually," the first woman said, her voice cool. "They always do." She ran her fingers through her dark hair, smoothing it back into place with perfect precision. "And when she does, we'll be waiting."

The second woman gave a timid nod, though it was barely noticeable in the shadows. "As you wish."

The first woman smiled—an icy, controlled smile that never reached her eyes. "For now, keep an eye on her. Make sure she doesn't slip out of sight. We can't afford any surprises, can we?"

"No," the second woman murmured, her voice low. "We'll watch her."

"Good." The first woman turned back to her reflection, adjusting the gown on her shoulders. "We wouldn't want her meddling in things that don't concern her. She won't even see it coming."

As the conversation ended, the flames flickered one last time, casting long, ominous shadows on the walls. The first woman's gaze softened slightly, a hint of satisfaction in her eyes. Her thoughts drifted to the unfolding scheme, the careful orchestration of events that would soon come to fruition.

Victory was within reach, she mused, a smirk playing at her lips. The people around her had no idea what was coming. They went about their lives, blissfully unaware of the storm she was about to unleash. Soon, all would fall into place, and the power she sought would be hers. The pieces were aligned, and now it was simply a matter of time.