Seren and the group made their way back toward Odd Squad headquarters, the tension of the recent battle giving way to the usual camaraderie. Up ahead, Oliver, Theo, and Matilda walked together, their conversation filling the silence as Seren and Kieran trailed behind.

Oliver let out a loud groan, rubbing his temples. “Ugh, just thinking about writing up the report on this mission is exhausting. They’re going to make us detail every single little thing, too. Why do the Ravens even care so much about keeping records on every tiny detail?”

Theo smirked, glancing sideways at him. “Come on, Oliver, it’s just one report. Besides, it’s not like we didn’t just have one of the craziest missions yet.”

“Sure, but does it really matter?” Oliver grumbled. “By the time they finish reading it, they’ll have another pile waiting for them.” He threw his hands up in exasperation. “Feels like a waste of perfectly good ink, if you ask me.”

Matilda chuckled. “Look at it this way: you’ll be immortalized in Raven history. Someday, someone’s going to read that report and think, ‘Wow, what a brave guy!’”

“Yeah, right,” Oliver snorted, though the corners of his mouth twitched up for being praised.

As they arrived at the headquarters, the familiar structure looming up sent a feeling of relief through the group after the tense mission. They’d actually first swung by the restaurant where Zane and Jace had last been battling Dorian, but the two were nowhere to be found.

“So, no Zane or Jace,” Theo remarked as they stepped into the building, resuming their conversation.

“Figures,” Oliver said with a shrug. “Knowing those two, they probably strutted back here the second they could walk.” He took a whiff of the air, wrinkling his nose as they neared his office. “Well, this is my stop,” he said, pointing to the office door, from which the faint smell of parched ink wafted.

“I’ll be heading to see the Captain with Seren,” Theo replied, patting Seren on the shoulder. Kieran, as usual, said nothing but gave a silent nod before beginning to walk down the hallway in his own quiet way.

Matilda let out a loud yawn, stretching her arms. “Guess I’m off too. After all that, I’m exhausted.” She turned, making a quick escape toward the hallway.

“Oh, no you don’t—hold it!” Oliver’s voice rang out as he eyed Matilda’s retreating form.

Matilda froze mid-step, slowly turning around with a nervous grin plastered on her face. “Uh… you need something, Oliver?”

Oliver folded his arms, giving her a stern look. “You’re not thinking of sneaking off, are you? Don’t think I didn’t notice.”

Matilda laughed awkwardly, avoiding his gaze. “Oh, uh... of course not. I was just... stretching my legs a bit, that’s all…”

Oliver let out an exaggerated sigh before grabbing her by the arm. “Nice try. You’re coming with me to help finish this report.”

…

“Noooo!” Matilda wailed her arms around like a child as Oliver dragged her toward his office. She shot Theo a pleading look. “Theo, help me! This demon is going to make me write till my hand breaks!”

Theo simply waved at her with a slightly awkward smile. “Good luck,” he said, clearly amused.

As Oliver pulled her into the office, he gave Theo a warning glance. “And you—don’t think you’re off the hook. When you’re done reporting to the Captain, I expect you back here to help wrap this up. Don’t even think about running.”

Bang!

Oliver slammed the door shut, and Theo and Seren stood alone in the hallway. Theo sighed, a resigned expression on his face.

“Looks like I’m stuck with report duty too,” he muttered, his tone equal parts weary and amused. He turned around and started walking away as he said. “Alright, let’s get this over with. Off to the Captain we go.”

Seren nodded silently, falling into step behind Theo as they made their way down the hall, the sound of Matilda’s muffled complaints fading behind them.

…

Theo opened the door to the theater and was greeted by the familiar, dim atmosphere. The theater itself lay mostly in shadow, with only a few faint lights along the walls casting soft glows into the dark. On the stage, a single spotlight illuminated the Captain’s desk, where he sat, fully engrossed in his writing.

Despite the fact that the mission had only taken three hours, it felt as though days had passed. The weight of it all made Theo’s shoulders sag slightly. But as he took in the room, his eyes widened in surprise, a delighted smile breaking over his face when he noticed a familiar figure standing beside the Captain with his usual straight-backed, disciplined posture.

“Ronan!” Theo called out, his voice filled with relief. “Where have you been? I couldn’t reach you at all!”

Ronan turned to face Theo, his aged eyes softening as he took in the sight of his younger subordinate. A light, raspy laugh escaped him as he responded, “Glad to see you’re alright, Theo.” He paused, his tone shifting as he continued, “I ran into a bit of trouble on the way and was ambushed by the Black Hand. They sent a couple of Rank 2s—thankfully, they were only Lesser Rank 2, so I managed to handle them... barely.”

Theo’s expression darkened as he looked over Ronan’s worn and bruised form, the remnants of cuts and bruises still visible along his arms and face. “The Collective and the Black Hand knew of mission this time… I fear there’s probably a mole within the Ravens,” Theo said grimly.

Ronan nodded, his face growing serious as he looked Theo in the eyes. “Agreed. Feels too precise to be a coincidence.”

The quiet murmur of their voices echoed faintly in the theater. Then suddenly, a familiar voice broke through the silence, causing Theo to whirl around.

“And I wonder who the mole is?”

The voice drawled, an amused tone laced with irony.

Theo’s eyes widened as he recognized the figure. Sitting off to the side, in the exact same spot he’d last seen him, was Zane, his expression unreadable as he looked at them with an almost lazy smirk.

Theo looked over at Zane, shifting slightly before clearing his throat. “Uh… hey, Zane,” he began, trying to break the tension in his voice. “So, how have you been since… since your fight with Dorian? I heard you really gave it your all back there.”

Zane didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he leaned back in his seat, arms crossed, watching Theo with an unreadable expression. Finally, he tilted his head, a slow smile spreading across his face. “Yeah… gave it my all,” he said softly, voice dripping with irony. “Interesting way to put it.”

Theo glanced at him, clearly thrown off by the response. “I just mean, I heard you fought hard… pushed yourself.” He forced a smile, but his attempt at easing the tension only seemed to amuse Zane further.

“Fought hard, sure. You know what else is interesting, Theo?” Zane’s gaze sharpened, and his eyes flicked briefly to Seren, who stood quietly beside Theo, hands tucked casually into his pockets. “How we’re suddenly talking about moles… I wonder if the mole is sitting here among us right now.”

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Theo’s smile faded, and a flicker of unease crossed his face. “What are you getting at, Zane?”

“Oh, nothing,” Zane replied, his tone casual. “Just… wondering, really. After all, it’s strange, isn’t it? Someone in the Ravens keeps tipping off the Black Hand. You have to admit, it’s suspicious.”

“Suspicious?” Theo replied, his voice rising slightly. “Zane, I don’t know what you’re trying to imply here, but—”

Zane got up from his seat and started slowly walking toward Theo and Seren. “It’s just… I mean, if I didn’t know any better, I might suspect someone in this very room,” he said, his eyes narrowing as he looked between Theo and Seren. “Maybe someone who already has a connection to the Black Hand.”

Theo swallowed, but he stood his ground, his expression turning grim. “You think one of us is the mole?”

Zane stopped in front of Theo, his gaze intense as he sized him up. He didn’t say anything for a while as he just stared at them in silence.

Then finally after a while, he asked, “So, which one of you is it?” His eyes darted between Theo and Seren. “Is it the guy whose sister has suspicious ties to the Black Hand? Or…” He turned his gaze to Seren, a cruel smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Or is it the new guy, conveniently recommended by that very same sister?”

Theo’s face turned ashen, and his fists clenched at his sides. “None of us are the mole, Zane,” he said, his voice tight. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. And don’t drag my sister into this.”

Zane raised an eyebrow, eyeing Theo with mocking amusement. “Oh? Defending her so readily?” His gaze flicked up and down Theo’s face, studying his expression. “That’s a bit more backbone than I’m used to seeing from you, Theo. Usually, you’d be looking away by now… but I’ll give you this. You’re holding your own today—barely.”

Theo’s jaw clenched as he said in a low voice. “And how do we know you aren’t the mole, Zane?” he asked in a hard tone. “After all, you’re the one who brought the information about the Black Hand’s relic smuggling to begin with. For all we know, you could have been feeding them information this whole time.”

Zane’s expression froze, his smirk fading as his eyes narrowed. “Watch yourself, Theo,” he said, his voice dangerously low. “You’re accusing me?”

He took a slow step toward him, his gaze darkening. “You think I’d risk my own skin for the Black Hand?” He sneered, looking from Theo to Seren. “Funny coming from you, Theo. You’re the one whose sister’s ties are… questionable. And your ‘friend’ here”—he gestured toward Seren—“he was brought in at her recommendation, wasn’t he?”

Theo’s hands balled into fists in a mix of anger and unease. “Don’t try to deflect. I’m just saying it’s possible—if we’re going by accusations and suspicions, it could just as easily be you.”

Zane chuckled darkly, shaking his head. “You really don’t get it, do you? One of you… is hiding something.” His eyes settled on Seren, glinting with a dangerous intent. “I think it’s about time we found out who.”

Chimera Relic!

Then suddenly in a flash, Zane activated his Chimera relic, his right arm morphed into the segmented, muscular limb of a giant ant as he struck straight for Seren’s head.

Theo immediately moved to intercept, but Zane was faster. His attack came down in a brutal arc but Seren, however, didn’t flinch. He stood perfectly still with his calm gaze as Zane’s transformed arm hurtled toward him.

Just as the massive arm was mere inches from Seren’s face, the Captain’s voice cut through the air.

“That’s enough, Zane. Go and sit in your seat quietly.”

Instantly, Zane halted his attack, his transformed arm freezing inches from Seren’s nose. Slowly, he retracted his arm, and the ant limb shifted back into his human arm as he raised his hands in mock surrender with a slight smirk on his face.

“Alright, alright, just joking around. I’d never really suspect my fellow teammates.” He threw an arm around Seren’s shoulders, leaning in with a sly grin. “Right, ghost buddy?”

Seren looked up at him, a small smile playing on his lips. “That’s right,” he replied thinly, “but next time you feel like ‘joking’, make sure you’re ready to face the consequences.”

Zane’s smirk widened, and he gave a mocking salute. “Noted.” He released Seren and walked back to his seat unhurriedly as if he hadn’t just threatened to decapitate a teammate.

Theo let out a silent breath he didn’t know he was holding, relief flooding him. He shot a quick, grateful glance at the Captain, who remained seated at his desk with his calm and impassive expression.

Theo’s thoughts were interrupted by the Captain’s voice, deep and commanding. “Theo,” he said, looking up from his notes. “Report on the mission.”

Nodding, Theo began recounting the events, detailing the skirmish with the Collective, the role Seren played, and every crucial moment of the mission. By now, Theo had full faith in Seren, and he was determined to make sure the Captain saw his potential too.

...

When Theo finished, the Captain remained silent, his fingers steepled in contemplation. After a long moment, he finally looked up, his gaze landing on Seren.

"In light of your achievements and crucial assistance on this mission, I, Lirael Tidecaller, 10th Captain of the Odd Squad, hereby appoint you as an official member of the Ravens," he announced, his tone firm and authoritative. "From this day forward, you are a part of the Odd Squad."

Theo’s face lit up, and he turned to Seren, grinning. “Congratulations, Seren!” he said, clapping him on the shoulder.

Seren smiled, inclining his head with a rare warmth. “Thank you, Theo. Couldn’t have done it without you.”

Theo felt his cheeks redden at the praise, a thrill of pride bubbling up in his chest. Oddly, being praised by Seren felt different, even better, than the Captain’s approval. He realized he respected him deeply now for some reason.

Lirael’s gaze shifted to Ronan. “Prepare an ID plate for Seren,” he instructed. “And conduct a standard background check.”

Lirael then looked at Seren directly. “I hope you don’t mind, it’s a mandatory procedure in the Ravens.”

Seren nodded easily. “Of course, sir. No problem.” He had no affiliations to hide—it’s not like he was actually an Enforcer or had any connection to a major family from Chimera Vale.

Ronan stepped forward, his usually calm face shadowed with a grave expression. “There are… a few things to report,” he said in a low and solemn voice.

Lirael nodded.

Ronan hesitated briefly before delivering the grim news. “Jace was found dead. In an alleyway.”

Silence~

A thick and oppressive silence filled the theater.

“B-But… how?” Theo stammered, his voice breaking with disbelief as his eyes widened. “Zane, weren’t you with Jace?! What happened to him?!”

Zane hesitated, his usual smirk replaced by a blank expression. “I… don’t know,” he replied slowly. “I was unconscious when Ronan found me and Jace was nowhere to be seen”

Ronan affirmed, “Yes, Zane was unconscious at the time. I looked around for Jace but… he was gone. By the time I finally tracked him down, he was already dead.”

“No way…” Theo’s voice dropped, his gaze fixed on the ground, still reeling from the shock.

Lirael’s voice cut through the silence as he said in a grave tone. “Did you find any clues on the culprit?”

Ronan shook his head. “No, I couldn’t find anything. There were no signs of a struggle or resistance by Jace. Even the locals who had gathered around the fallen restaurant hadn’t seen anything unusual. It was as if Jace had simply… disappeared and reappeared dead in the alley.”

Lirael’s face darkened. His usually composed expression was now taut with an emotion that bordered on anger.

“But there’s one detail worth noting,” Ronan continued, swallowing hard. “It’s the way he was killed. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Lirael raised an eyebrow, his face tense. “Describe it.”

Ronan hesitated, then drew in a breath. “Jace was found lying on his stomach. His back was… cut open. His ribs had been pulled out and repositioned, spread wide like the wings of an eagle.”

Theo’s eyes widened in horror at the gruesomeness of the death.

Lirael’s expression grew darker, his gaze cold as he absorbed the horrifying details. “I see,” he said. “What else do you have to report?”

Ronan glanced at Seren, his face laced with hesitation. “The other matter… it’s related to Seren.”

Seren looked up, a flicker of confusion crossing his features. “Me?”

Ronan nodded solemnly. “Specifically, it’s about the homeless man who guided you into Glowhaven. He was found dead today in someone's house”

“Who killed him?” Lirael asked immediately.

Ronan’s gaze darkened as he shook his head. “No, not killed. But he committed suicide—or, well, that’s what it appears to be.” He paused, seeming to gather himself before continuing. “The way he died…” Ronan seemed a bit hesitant in describing the scene of the death.

Lirael’s brow furrowed with his patience visibly tested. “Explain, Ronan.”

Ronan took a steadying breath. “When he was found, he had a rope around his neck, tied to the base of a couch.” He paused, shuddering. “It appears he… strangled himself against the couch. His body was found contorted and strained… it looked as if he’d been fighting to kill himself. It’s a very strange way… to die”

Hearing this, even Seren couldn’t keep his cool as the image that made his head throb was hauntingly familiar. He had seen this disturbing method before.

“...What?”