Whispers Before Dawn

Prologue

Tae-ui sat by the window, the book resting in his lap as he read, his eyes moving steadily across the lines.

Outside, the sky was a heavy gray, clouds rolling in like waves, thick with the promise of rain.

He traced the edge of the pages as he turned them, his fingers curling around the worn edges. A soft rumble echoed from the distance, and the first few drops splattered against the glass.

When the rain began, steady and persistent, a look of sadness crossed his face.

He closed the book with a soft thud, moving away from the window as the rain intensified. Without hesitation, he pulled the curtain shut, blocking out the storm entirely.

The silence of the room enveloped him.

Without another glance at the window, Tae-ui padded across the cool floor, his footsteps muted.

He twisted the taps in the bathroom, the rush of water filling the space. Steam curled upwards, fogging the mirror as the tub slowly filled. His movements were deliberate, mechanical almost—each action carefully orchestrated.

Candles were placed around the bath, their warm glow flickering against the tiles. He uncorked a bottle of wine, pouring himself a glass, and set it on the edge of the tub. The book was tucked under his arm, his silent companion.

Sinking into the warmth, the tension in his shoulders eased slightly. The water lapped at his skin as he leaned back, the edges of his book dipping dangerously close to the surface. He opened it again, returning to the words as though seeking refuge in them, though the far-off look in his eyes suggested that his mind had wandered elsewhere, far beyond the pages.

******

Jeong Chang In stepped out of the bath, the warmth lingering on his skin as he towel-dried his hair. With the day free, he welcomed the calm. The Europe team from UNHRDO had arrived at the Asia branch for a fortnight of intense training, and tonight felt like the last peaceful night before the storm.

Among them was Rick, part of the team from the European branch—a man with a reputation that preceded him. Vicious and ruthless, Rick could dismantle anyone who challenged him, leaving no trace of hesitation. Chang In had no illusions about the chaos that would soon follow their training, but for now, things remained quiet.

He considered reaching out to Tae-ui before the whirlwind of work took over. Sitting down at his desk, he opened his laptop and initiated a video call. The ringing continued, but after several tones, there was no answer.

"Strange" Chang In murmured. "He usually picks up."

Perhaps Tae-ui was occupied with his work. The young man was as enigmatic as he was talented, a trait that seemed to run in the family.

Just as he began to dress for a relaxed evening, the UNHRDO line on his laptop flashed with an internal light, signaling an incoming call.

He quickly answered, sitting up straighter. "Hello."

"Chang In, sorry for the late hour, but we have an urgent matter. I need you in my office as soon as possible" the director's voice was crisp, commanding.

"Understood. I'll be there shortly" Chang In replied, already scanning his wardrobe.

He hung up and moved quickly, selecting a crisp white shirt and pairing it with a tailored navy suit. His hands moved with practiced ease, buttoning up his shirt and adjusting his cufflinks. As he prepared to leave, a knock interrupted him.

Opening the door, he found himself face-to-face with Rick. Tall and imposing, his sharp black eyes met Chang In's directly. Rick's presence exuded the controlled menace he was known for.