Initiation

Chapter 3: Intruder

A month has gone by since the day that I battled Argon. I found out that I had gone hungry for exactly a week and two days. To say I was starving was an understatement. My body already weighed next to nothing, so losing five pounds wouldn't matter much. One of Argon's guards arrived with a plate of stale bread, an apple, and mixed nuts. He also had provided me with water to scarf down the food; which disappeared almost as soon as it was passed to me.

From that day forward, I vowed to never go without food for that length of time. My main goal was to suck up to Argon. Give him a reason to shower me with praises. I didn't want to be a failure in his eyes. After a few weeks of hard work, my goal was finally met. Argon began to entrust me on running certain errands for him. He even let me tag along on his visits to other warehouses.

Ten of Argon's goons, as I liked to call his men, were in the main warehouse packaging black market weapons. There had to be close to a hundred wooden crates lined up near the loading dock. Argon's faith in me has recently been restored and because of that I was now his second in command- his right hand.

This was a rather large accomplishment. He has been treating me as his equal, especially these past couple of days. Argon's men were quite jealous of me. They were also quite afraid and they had a right to be. I was quick to make Argon aware if someone was lacking in their duties. They were smart enough to know what followed his wrath.

Today was just an average shipment day. Argon was a lead dealer in the underground black market for weapons. Laser guns, pistols, semi-automatic rifles, you name it. Argon has his hand in every deal. The job given to me for the day included observing, ordering, and punishing those who were slacking. Lately, one of the newest additions to Argon's crew had been acting weird. I remember the day we first met vividly.

"Men-" Argon begins. "I would like to formerly introduce you to my prodigy. Chloe dear- you may step forward now."

This had been my cue. I stepped out of the shadows, making my presence known. Six pairs of eyes landed on me. By now the bruises from Argon's beatings were gone. All that gave away that I had been hurt were a just a few small scars.

"She is my second in command. To disobey her- is to disobey me" Argon says pointedly.

My eyes scanned over my audience as I stop at my master's side. One pair of bright, sky blue eyes catches my gaze. The man had a chiseled jaw peppered with stubble as if he hadn't shaved for the past few weeks. He had been studying me with surprise lingering on his facial features. My eyes narrow the longer we held eye contact. This water endowed goon needed to be put in his place. Argon placed his hand on my shoulder made me break away from our staring contest.

I don't realize that while reminiscing about the past, I have been staring absentmindedly at the new goon. He has an analyzing expression lingering in his gaze. My eyebrows furrow. His fixated eyes don't leave mine.

I push myself off of the metal beam I was leaning on. His eyes now take on a look of uncertainty. I cross my arms against my chest, challenging him by raising an eyebrow. Do you really want me to come over there?

This is the point he decides to go back to the task at hand. I roll my eyes, leaning back against the beam. Minutes later the metal doors screech open and Argon enters the room with Drake; his third top guard.

"What is wrong master?" I ask as I meet him halfway.

His sharp features are hardened as he says, "We have a League spy in our midst."

Argon doesn't stop and stomps past me. His black combat boots thud against the ground rhythmically. I turn to face Drake due to the fact I had felt his burning stare.

"What are you looking at?" I sneer.

A smirk forms on his arrogant face before he follows after Argon. I watch him walk away with narrowed eyes. Drake always enjoyed gloating and talking back to me. He quote on quote calls me, 'Argon's tool'. I wasn't sure that smirking was any better than Drake speaking. He obviously knew something I did not.

One thing I did know for certain, whoever this spy was; his night wasn't going to end well. I would in the same boat if I continued to just stand around.

"Stop working!"

At the sound of Argon shouting a command, all of the goons stop immediately. Even the new grunt did so. Wise move.

"Men- we have a traitor hiding amongst us," Argon's voice rumbles through the still silence. "League scum, it would be wise for you to identify yourself now- or pay the consequences."

Nobody makes a move. The goons are obviously distressed as they size up the person standing next to them. Drake is standing beside Argon with his hands folded neatly behind his back. I stop on the other side of Argon and scan the crowd.

Sweat was building on the first man's forehead as my eyes passed. The second man had fear in his forest green eyes. I dismiss them as traitors since they were frightened, but they have every right to be. Each man would get beaten until Argon found the right person.

The League agent understood he was caught, so he would be the one who was calm. My eyes continue to scan the men until they end up stopping at the newest grunt. I mentally scold myself. He was the obvious choice. Seeing the calm and collected demeanor on his face sealed the deal. Conspicuously, he moves his arm toward an open crate, but stops when he sees me staring at him.

His eyes narrow for a brief moment as his arm falls back down to his side. His lips lift up slightly on one side as he steps forward. We never break eye contact as he does so. His next move is totally unexpected.

Hello all! I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter. Let me know what your thoughts are in the comment section below. If you were confused with the part where the words were italicized, that a memory from Chloe's past. Chloe's thoughts are also italicized. Hope that clarifies those sections.