The Assassin

Chapter 2

⟻ Lizette's POV ⟼

The mess hall was a large room with a small stage against the northern wall. The main purpose of the stage was to present the daily announcements. On rare occasions, if Wesley - head of the compound - was in a particularly good mood, the stage would be used for an open mic night or talent show. However, Wesley had gone to visit Phlox headquarters on the other side of the country. This left Noah in charge and he wasn't one for playful pastimes. By the time Liz and Talen had reached the mess hall, most of the assassins were already eating breakfast.

"I told you we'd be late," Liz grumbled.

"We're not late," Talen rolled his eyes, "the announcements haven't even started yet. Why don't we go sit over there with Amber and the others?" He pointed to a table at the far right of the hall.

"They don't want me there Talen," Liz sighed, "let's just sit at our usual table." Talen was always trying to get Liz involved with the rest of the group but his attempts to get her to socialise and make new friends were never successful.

"Uhm, our usual table's occupied." It was only then that Liz noticed the group of guys sitting at her and Talen's usual spot. It was Tristan and his posse of brainless followers.

"You don't want to sit with Amber," it was Liz's turn to roll her eyes, "you're just trying to avoid Tristan."

"So what if I am," Talen said defensively, "I don't want to cause any drama."

"You mean you don't want me to cause any drama," Liz let out a frustrated sigh, "Tristan and his group of minions are a bunch of bullies. They need to be put in their place, there's nothing wrong with standing up for yourself."

"I know that, which is why I don't need you to do it for me. I can take care of myself you know."

Liz shook her head. Talen was the most fragile person she knew, he wasn't capable of hurting a fly and Liz wouldn't stand by while someone like Tristan preyed on the innocent.

"Whatever you say Talen," she humoured him. "Shall we go take our seats? The announcement's about to start." Liz marched towards their table, a reluctant Talen following.

"Well, well, well. Look who's here," Tristan smirked as the two of them approached, "if it isn't the psycho princess and her puppy dog sidekick." Nervous laughter spread across the table.

"Shut up Tristan, this is our table," Liz stood over his seat sending him a glare.

"Really?" Tristan feigned confusion, "because I don't see a name here. Did you guys see a name?" He asked the other assassins at the table. They averted their gaze, pretending not to hear his question. "Hey," Tristan nudged the guy sitting next to him, "I asked whether you saw any names!"

"Uh, no sir, I didn't see anything," came a shaky voice.

"Well, there you go Lizette," Tristan smiled up at her, "this table doesn't belong to you so I suggest you take your puppy dog and find someone else to piss off."

Liz slammed her fist on the table and several heads turned in their direction. Tristan got up out of his chair, towering over her. The other occupants at the table did the same, backing him up.

"You want to fight, princess?"

"I'm not a fucking prin-" before Liz could finish her sentence a piercing noise filled the hall, everyone winced, covering their ears.

"Sorry about that," Noah smiled warmly. He stood on the stage, holding a microphone. "Could everyone please sit down so we can begin with the announcements?" He directed his question toward the entire hall but the only people still standing were Liz, Talen, and Tristan's posse. Gingerly they all took their seats.

"Thank you. As most of you already know, there is an important mission coming up. After many months, several assassins of the east division have managed to infiltrate the Government's inner circle." Excited whispers spread through the hall. Noah gave the assassins a few moments to quiet down before continuing. "As a result of their efforts we have received intel of a secret meeting that will take place a week from. The meeting involves several high-profile Government members. Headquarters has entrusted our division with the elimination of these individuals." This time the hall broke out into a fervent chatter.

Phlox had been waiting years for this opportunity, finally, the time for action had come. All the assassins had hoped they would be lucky enough to take part in this mission. They each dreamed of the glory that would come with defeating the Government. Each hoping their name would go down in history as the one who brought the years of tyranny to an end. All except Talen that is.

It took Noah several minutes to get the audience to settle back down. Only when he threatened to serenade the crowd with another round of high pitched ringing, did everyone stop talking.

"As I was saying," Noah glared at the individuals who had made the most noise, "this opportunity cannot be taken lightly and I expect all those involved to leave no room for error. We will be dispatching a group of thirty. All selected individuals will be present for a general briefing this evening. And now, the moment you've all been waiting for." Noah took a small piece of paper out of his pocket, slowly unfolding it. A sea of violet eyes stared at him in anticipation. "Amber Moore," he began. Liz flickered her eyes towards the table where the girl sat, Amber's eyes had lit up with excitement. "Michael Hill, Leona Sami, Sarah Ford-" Noah continued reading names off the list.

Liz counted the names, waiting for her's. Ten names. She wasn't worried, her name was usually only called halfway through the list. Seventeen names. Feeble applause followed each name, everyone hoping their name would be next. Twenty-one. Liz wasn't a superstitious person but she found herself crossing her fingers. Twenty-five. There was no way she wouldn't be selected. She'd been sent on the last five missions and had completed them all successfully. Twenty-eight. Liz stopped breathing.

"Julio Fleming," Noah called out, "and last but not least, Tristan Banks" The group of assassins seated next to Liz erupted into applause as Tristan jumped onto the table, fist raised in the air.

"That's what I'm talking about!" He whooped, giving high-fives to his comrades. "Better luck next time, princess."

Liz sat frozen in her seat as the mess hall trickled emptied.