I parked my car in the lot in front of ECLIPSE, the sign catching my attention. The hum of the engine faded as I shut off the car, leaving a moment of quiet before I stepped out. I straightened my jacket and stepped up my game, acting confident as I strolled into the building. The glass door was cool to the touch as I pulled it open, and a loud noise popped into my consciousness

Party poppers? A few of the other members were wearing colorful hats and popped party poppers as I entered, the sudden burst of sound and confetti startling me. They stood in a semi-circle, their faces lit up with excitement, clearly having awaited my arrival with eager anticipation. I scanned the room, taking in the sight before me, and stated, "Didn't expect that." The other members laughed, their voices mingling in a chorus of mirth. Amidst the cheerful faces, I spotted John standing slightly apart from the rest, his usual stoic demeanor softened by a rare smile. He stepped forward, clapping me on the shoulder. "Good work, Jake. This is a cause for celebration." One of the female members, a woman with striking green eyes and an air of confidence, sidled up to me, her movements deliberately slow and suggestive. "Yeah, Oren will regret ever crossing us," she purred, her voice dripping with satisfaction. She nudged up against me seductively, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Would you like to..."

I stopped her advances with a raised hand, keeping my tone polite but firm. "No thank you." She pouted, her lips forming a small, disappointed moue, before she shrugged it off and blended back into the crowd, her demeanor quickly shifting back to one of camaraderie with the others. The celebratory atmosphere couldn't entirely mask the weight on my mind. I addressed the group, my voice cutting through the laughter and chatter. "Sure, we took out Oren... but we lost what, three high-ranking members? What are we going to do about their bodies?"

I put my hand in my pocket, feeling the cool metal of the recorder, and discreetly activated it. I hoped to capture what John would say next with crystal clarity. He answered, "Like I said in the text I sent you, we'll give them a burial. One of our connections will cover it up. We are well-versed in disposing of our enemies." The words came through clearly on the recorder, providing me with the evidence I would soon need. I then stated, "I got that promotion, right?" He nodded, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "Well, yeah. That was like the highest priority target." I smiled, the weight of my accomplishment settling in. "I'm glad to be making a difference." At that moment, another member opened the backdoor, casting a quick glance around the room before focusing on John. "Hey, John, is Jake ready?" John turned to face the newcomer, his expression shifting from celebratory to serious. "Uh, yeah." He then turned back to me, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "It's rare for Allison to want to see somebody specific. It's probably your combat prowess that intrigued her. She's the third strongest here, with immense strength." I nodded, feeling a mix of curiosity and anticipation. "Well, it's an honor."

The other member left for the back, and John advised, "Well, go on ahead." I walked into the backrooms, my footsteps feeling heavier with each step. This hallway gets creepier every single time. At the end of the hallway, I spotted the other member leaning casually against the wall, one foot propped up, clearly marking the entrance to a special room. I jogged to him, feeling a sense of urgency mixed with trepidation. "Is this the room you want me to enter?" I asked, my voice steady. He nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, Allison is waiting inside."

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I sighed, trying to steady myself. "Sorry, a bit nervous." In truth, my nerves weren't due to meeting a high-ranking member of ECLIPSE. It was because it was her. The weight of the moment pressed down on me, knowing who awaited beyond the door. He offered a sympathetic smile, understanding my apprehension. "Yeah, this is very rare." With a final breath, I stepped inside, my mind racing but my resolve firm. I knew my worth and what I had proven to this organization.

A very handsome young man entered my room, perhaps a few years younger than me. He strode in boldly, his demeanor confident, and unlike most, he didn't kneel immediately upon entering. This room is reserved exclusively for Prophets, and a Liberator should know their place. But this man... he’s just my type. I've always had a bit of an old-fashioned standard for men, so few have even come close to meeting it.

The man finally knelt on a pillow in front of him. In just two days, he already knows the significance of those pillows? Good. I shuffled on the throne, adjusting myself to get more comfortable, my eyes never leaving him. The man then asked, "Are you Allison?" In my current attire, I suppose it could be hard to recognize me. I responded, "Yes, I am. I've heard you just accomplished a great task." He accepted my acknowledgment with grace. "Yes, Allison. I did it for the betterment of my fellow man." I examined him closely, noting the lack of visible injuries. "You barely seem to be injured, are you that strong?" He shut down my doubts with confidence. "Yes. The other three weakened him a fair amount, and I was able to knock him out and threaten him to stay away from us permanently." So, he didn't kill Oren. That would have been troublesome anyway. I considered his words, appreciating the strategic restraint he had shown. This young man has proven himself.

He raised his head, meeting my gaze with unwavering intensity. "What I've done, from what you've said, is a great task. I wish to be rewarded." Rewarded? You've been given a promotion already! I felt a surge of irritation and insulted him, raising my arm to display my muscles. "You dare?! You've been given a promotion in just two days, yet you still ask for more?!" He looked away, the sadness in his eyes reflecting my rage back at me. I felt a pang of guilt and was about to soften my stance, but then he found his resolve. He yelled back at me, his voice filled with determination. "I understand that I am out of turn! The promotion should be enough... but I'm ambitious. When I first got a good look at you a moment ago, some unknown emotion slithered its way into me." He stood up, a bold move that took me by surprise. What is he doing?! His good looks and confidence paused my movements, and I felt my breath catch. He walked to the throne, his eyes purposeful. When he reached me, he placed his palm gently on my cheek, caressing it tenderly. "I think it's love." he murmured, his voice softening. I blushed, the unexpected declaration and the warmth of his touch widening my eyes.

Love?!