"Veil of Thorns"

###Episode 15: Beneath the Surface

The night air clung to Lisa's skin as she crouched low behind a stack of crates, her eyes fixed on the docks below. The sound of the waves crashing against the pier mixed with the low rumble of voices and machinery. Adrin crouched beside her, silent but alert, his eyes scanning the scene.

"Everything's in place," Adrin whispered, glancing at Lisa. "We move in when the last crate is loaded."

Lisa nodded, her heart beating steadily, though her nerves were sharp. They couldn't afford to fail-this was their chance to hit Reed where it hurt. The shipment, as Voss had revealed, was crucial to Reed's next move. Taking it down would be a massive blow.

Through her earpiece, a voice came through. "Everything looks clear. No sign of extra security."

"Good," Lisa muttered. "Let's keep it that way."

She glanced at Adrin, their eyes locking for a moment. They hadn't discussed it, but she knew they were both thinking the same thing. If this went wrong, there would be no turning back. Reed would know they were coming for him, and his retaliation would be swift and brutal.

Adrin gave a slight nod, signaling he was ready. Lisa took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was about to come. Then, with one swift motion, they moved.

The docks were eerily quiet as they made their way through the shadows. The men unloading the crates were oblivious to their presence, focused on their task. Lisa felt a surge of adrenaline as they approached the loading area, their target in sight.

Adrin signaled to his team, positioned at key points around the docks. Everything had to be perfectly timed. As the last crate was loaded, the men would retreat, and the shipment would be theirs.

But just as they were about to strike, Lisa's phone buzzed in her pocket. She hesitated for a split second, then quickly glanced at the screen.

**Unknown**: "I know what you're planning. You're already too late."

Lisa's heart stopped. The message wasn't just a threat-it was a warning. Someone was already watching them.

"Adrin," she whispered urgently. "We've got a problem."

But before he could respond, a loud crash echoed through the docks, followed by the blaring sound of an alarm. Panic erupted below as men shouted and scrambled for cover. Lights flashed on, illuminating the area, and Lisa saw it-a swarm of Reed's men, heavily armed and already in position.

"It's a trap," Adrin growled, his jaw clenched. "They knew we were coming."

Lisa's mind raced. How had Reed found out? Had Voss betrayed them? Or was there another leak, someone even closer to their inner circle?

"We need to move, now!" Adrin barked, grabbing her arm.

But as they turned to retreat, gunfire erupted. Lisa ducked behind a crate, her heart pounding in her chest. This wasn't just a simple operation anymore-this was an all-out war.

---

Chaos unfolded around them. Lisa's thoughts swirled, every decision more critical than the last. The shadows of the night were now alive with gunfire and movement, and she could barely hear Adrin's orders over the noise. Her team was pinned down, trapped in a firefight they hadn't anticipated.

"Adrin!" she shouted over the chaos, ducking as bullets ricocheted off the crates around her. "We need a way out!"

He was already on it, motioning to the east side of the docks, where the waters churned. "We retreat toward the boat. We don't have time to get the shipment-this is about survival now."

Lisa bit back a curse. The plan was unraveling. She glanced toward the crates, the symbol of Reed's power they'd been so desperate to destroy. But she knew Adrin was right-if they didn't get out now, none of them would live to see another day.

Just as they started toward the water, a familiar voice rang out through the chaos. "Leaving so soon?"

Lisa's blood ran cold. Standing near the docks, surrounded by armed men, was Victor Reed himself, his sharp eyes gleaming under the harsh lights. He looked almost amused, as though the firefight around him was a mere inconvenience.

"Did you really think I wouldn't be ready for you?" Reed's voice was smooth, almost mocking. "You've underestimated me, Lisa. And that's going to cost you."

Adrin stiffened beside her, his eyes narrowing. "We're not done yet, Reed."

"Oh, but you are," Reed said, his smile widening. "You've walked right into my hands, just like I knew you would."

Lisa's mind raced, her thoughts spiraling. How had he known? How had their plan unraveled so quickly?

Then, suddenly, she knew. The pieces fell into place. The messages, the warnings, the taunts-it had been Reed all along. He had been watching her, manipulating her from the shadows, waiting for her to make this move.

And now, he had her.

Lisa's jaw clenched. She wasn't about to let Reed win, not like this. She glanced at Adrin, and in that moment, they didn't need to speak. They both knew what had to happen next.

"Get ready," Lisa whispered, her fingers tightening around her weapon.

Adrin gave a slight nod. "On my signal."

Then, in a sudden burst of motion, Adrin launched himself toward the nearest set of crates, drawing fire away from their position. Lisa moved quickly, using the distraction to slip past Reed's men and head toward the water.

They didn't have much time. Reed's men were closing in, but Lisa and Adrin moved like shadows, slipping through the chaos toward the boat. Every second counted. If they could make it out of the docks, they'd live to fight another day.

But as Lisa reached the edge of the pier, she felt a cold sense of dread settle in her chest. Reed wasn't just a step ahead of them-he had planned this from the very beginning.

And now, as they fled into the night, she knew the game had changed.

Reed wasn't just hunting them anymore. He was out to destroy them.

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