Bound by Shadows .jc

CHAPTER 32

Silent Moments

The night enveloped Obsidian Mansion, the wind howling through the towering trees like whispers of impending chaos. Inside, the mansion was dimly lit, the heavy air thick with tension. In the vast meeting room, the SVT members gathered, their expressions unreadable as they took their seats. The long mahogany table gleamed under the chandelier's faint glow, its light refracting off the glasses of whiskey and untouched files scattered on the surface.

At the head of the table stood S.Coups, a commanding presence despite the calm demeanor etched across his face. He leaned slightly on the chair behind him, his dark eyes scanning the room. It was a routine they had perfected over the years—sit, listen, execute. But tonight's meeting carried an unspoken weight.

S.Coups had already ensured Jeonghan was asleep, brushing his hair until his breathing softened. Only then did he leave the safety of Jeonghan's room, closing the door quietly behind him before stepping into the calculated coldness of the meeting.

The wind outside rattled the windows as S.Coups began. His voice was steady, clipped, and devoid of any warmth. "The Dragons have been stirring. We've confirmed through reliable sources that they're planning to strike our east base in two days." He paused, allowing the information to sink in. The room remained silent, the faint hum of the air conditioning the only sound.

Jun was the first to respond, his voice sharp and measured. "They're smaller in number, but they've got skill. Enough to be a nuisance." His fingers tapped rhythmically on the table, his eyes narrowing as he considered the implications.

Hoshi, leaning back in his chair with a dangerous glint in his eyes, added, "They're overestimating themselves. That arrogance is their weakness."

"Which is why we'll strike first," S.Coups cut in, his tone decisive. "We eliminate them tomorrow, before they have the chance to move. We don't wait for threats to escalate."

The room grew colder, the air thick with unspoken agreements. It wasn't a question. It was a directive.

Wonwoo adjusted his glasses, breaking the silence. "We'll need precise coordination. Their leader, Shin, is known for adapting under pressure. If we want this clean, we'll need to remove him first. It'll cripple their command structure."

S.Coups nodded. "Then it's decided. Hoshi, Jun, and Vernon—take point on the ground. Dino, secure our comms and surveillance. Make sure we have eyes on every possible escape route."

"And Jeonghan?" Vernon asked hesitantly, his deep voice tinged with concern. He avoided looking directly at S.Coups.

The leader's expression didn't falter, though a flicker of something unspoken passed through his eyes. "Jeonghan's safety is priority. Daniel's leaving for Japan tomorrow night—won't have anyone with him. Wonwoo, I need you to come up with a transfer plan for Jeonghan."

Wonwoo tilted his head, his sharp gaze meeting S.Coups'. "Moving him now could be risky. If Viktor catches wind, the entire plan crumbles. We'd have to guarantee no loose ends during the transfer. Are you prepared for that?"

S.Coups' jaw tightened. "We don't have a choice. Viktor already about Jeonghan's presence here, if finds out about tomorrow's attack, we're exposed on all sides. Clean up the Dragons first, then handle the transfer. No delays."

A heavy pause settled over the room. Dino, seated near the end of the table, shifted uncomfortably. "Do you really think we can move him without Viktor noticing?" His voice was quieter than usual, almost uncertain.

"That's why you'll make sure there's no trail," S.Coups said coldly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "This isn't a negotiation. We don't leave vulnerabilities."