Shadows of Deceit | MilkLove AU

Ch10: Torn Pages, Hidden Truths

The dim light flickered overhead, casting shadows that danced across the walls of the secret room. Pan sat rigidly in a chair as she looked at the figure before her. The air was thick with tension, and the smell of damp concrete filled her nostrils. The person slid an envelope across the table, their expression unreadable.

"Your first mission," the figure said.

Pan picked up the envelope, her fingers trembling slightly as she tore it open. Anger surged through her as she read the contents, tightening her grip on the paper until her knuckles turned white. The mission was to eliminate a syndicate boss—a man whose hands were stained with the blood of the innocent, a man who had taken everything from her.

"Good luck," the figure added.

With a curt nod, Pan stood, determination etched on her face. She was ready. This was her chance for revenge, her chance to finally make a difference in a world that had wronged her.

Later before sunrise, the vibrant exterior of the Jaguar Panther Community Organization was a stark contrast to the grim reality inside. The façade, adorned with bright murals celebrating life, masked the sinister operations that thrived within its walls. This was where Pan would make her mark.

As she approached, her heart was full of anticipation. The mission resonated deeply within her; it was not just a job, but a personal vendetta. 'The Night's Creed' had trained her well, instilling in her the belief that true justice was achieved outside the confines of the law.

Pan slipped inside, moving stealthily through the hallways. Each step was calculated, her senses heightened. Suddenly, unease gripped her as she realized something was off. The report had indicated she would find the boss alone, but now she sensed danger lurking in every corner. The echo of hushed voices and the metallic scent of gun oil filled the air.

Panic surged through her, but before she could react, a familiar voice cut through the tension.

"Pansa!"

She turned, her heart sinking as she recognized Captain Pasu, his expression a mix of urgency and fear.

"We need to get out of here!" he urged, eyes wide with panic.

But the fire of vengeance blazed within her, drowning out his warnings. "No, you leave," she said, her voice steady. "I can handle this."

"Are you insane?" Pasu grabbed her arm, desperation lacing his tone. "It's too dangerous!"

Pan yanked her arm free, her resolve unyielding. "You don't understand! This isn't just about the mission."

Pasu's face fell, hurt and anger mingling in his eyes. "And you think I didn't know that? This is a set-up. We need to go now!"

Before she could respond, gunfire erupted around them. The chaos sparked a primal fear, but Pan stood firm. Just as she prepared to fight, Pasu instinctively pushed her into a corner, his instincts honed from years on the force. In a swift motion, he injected her with something, and the world began to blur around the edges.