Carlos shook his head, frustration evident in his face. "You underestimate yourself, Lilith. You're capable of so much more than you realize. You're wasting your time working for N.O.V.A. You could do great things if you aligned with the right people—people who can unlock your true potential."
I stared at him, incredulous. Was he really trying to recruit me into his mafia? It felt surreal, as if I were caught in a twisted version of some spy thriller where the protagonist was offered a chance to join the dark side. But I wasn't interested in any dark side—especially not the one that had just taken my brother's life.
"Why would I ever want to work for you?" I shot back, my voice laced with venom. "You're the enemy, Carlos! You're the one responsible for my brother's death!"
Carlos's expression shifted slightly, his smile faltering. "That's not what you think."
"Oh really?" I challenged, my anger flaring. "He was threatening to leak information about you, wasn't he? You killed him to protect your precious empire, and now you expect me to just forget that?"
He took a moment to collect himself, the air growing tense. "He wasn't meant to die, Lilith. He threatened to leak sensitive information to a rival. I had to act."
"So you decided that taking a life was the best solution? My brother was more than just a threat to you! He was a good man!"
Carlos's gaze hardened. "And he put himself in danger by being reckless. You have to understand—this world is unforgiving. You should be angry at him for making that choice, not at me."
I shook my head, my breath quickening. "You think this is easy for me? You think I can just accept your justification? You're the one who ended his life, and now you're trying to recruit me like it's some sort of twisted game!"
Carlos stepped closer, his tone growing serious. "I'm not trying to play games, Lilith. I'm trying to offer you a path. You're not just a pawn in this world; you're a player. But you need to learn how to wield your power. I can teach you."
His words hung in the air, a seductive invitation laced with danger. I couldn't deny the flicker of intrigue within me, the small part that was tired of being underestimated. But I was also acutely aware of the stakes. This wasn't just about me; it was about my brother and the life he'd led.
"Why should I trust you?" I pressed, unwilling to let my guard down.
"Survival, for one," he replied candidly. "This is a dangerous game, and rivals are constantly on the prowl. But more importantly, I see potential in you. You could rise above all of this—if you let me guide you."
I thought about my training at N.O.V.A., the way I'd been constantly overlooked. They saw me as just another recruit, another agent to send on missions. But Carlos was offering me something different: recognition, power, and a chance to reclaim my brother's legacy.
"Think about it, Lilith," he continued, sensing my hesitation. "You could have the tools to find those responsible for your brother's death and bring them to justice. And you could do it in a way that makes a real impact. This isn't just about revenge; it's about redefining who you are."
The weight of his words pressed down on me, forcing me to confront my choices. I was angry and hurt, but I was also driven by a thirst for justice—a desire to make those responsible pay. Carlos was offering me a means to that end, and despite my instincts screaming at me to resist, I felt that tantalizing allure of power drawing me in.
"What do I have to do?" I asked, the words spilling out before I could think twice.
Carlos's expression shifted to one of satisfaction. "Just trust me. We'll start by assessing your skills and then determining how best to utilize them. Together, we'll make a formidable team."
I swallowed hard, grappling with the enormity of the choice I was making. "And if I say no?"
"Then you'll remain a prisoner in your own life," he replied, his tone turning serious again. "You'll continue to live in the shadows of those who've already deemed you unworthy. But if you choose to join me, you'll step into the light of your true potential. The choice is yours."
Sure! Here's the revised ending of Chapter 6, incorporating Lilith's warning to Carlos about N.O.V.A:
I could feel the weight of his gaze, the anticipation radiating from him.
"I could stay with N.O.V.A., continue my training and play the role they expect of me, but what good would that do? What could I achieve by being a cog in a machine that has already failed me?"
"Okay," I finally said, my voice steady. "I'll do it. I'll join you."
Carlos's smile widened, and for a brief moment, it transformed his entire demeanor. "Welcome to Serpente D'Oro, Lilith. We have a lot of work to do."
But as the words left my mouth, a cautionary thought crept into my mind, one that felt important to voice. "Just so you know, Carlos," I said, crossing my arms defiantly, "N.O.V.A. won't take this lightly. They're not going to just sit back and watch as you pull me into your world."
Carlos's smile faltered slightly, replaced with a more serious expression. "I know," he replied, his tone thoughtful. "But I'm prepared for that. We'll make sure you're ready too. N.O.V.A. has its eyes on you, and they won't let you slip away without a fight."
"Then we need to be one step ahead of them," I warned, my resolve hardening. "I won't let them use me as leverage against you. I refuse to be a pawn in their game."
He nodded, his respect for my determination evident. "Good. We'll train you, and you'll learn how to fight back. Together, we'll ensure that they understand you're not someone to be underestimated."
The hunger for vengeance surged within me, igniting a fire I couldn't ignore. Whatever lay ahead, I would face it head-on. I was no longer just a pawn in someone else's game; I was ready to take control of my own destiny.
