…
----------------------------------------
Conclusion
----------------------------------------
…
TAP
TAP
TAP
“Haaa… haaa…”
Natasha panted.
Her breath puffing out in clear mist due to the winter air.
A few droplets of sweat fell on the side of her cheek, her chest heaving noticeably as she tried to get her breathing even and her racing heart calm.
After noticing the complete lack of personnel within the entire building, Natasha dashed her way right from the office and out of the back entrance.
Truly, Rey had not been kidding when he said that he would lure all of them to him.
The redhead can only wonder how he did it though.
Still…
“Hehe…”
Natasha chuckled, smiling lightly as she wiped the sweat with the sleeve of the hoodie.
While it was weird, she had to admit that it was quite fun to run through an empty building during a job. It was something that she had never done before.
‘Except for that ti– No…’
Natasha stilled, frowning.
Then, she shook her head.
Nothing good would come if she were to recall the past now, especially at a time like this.
Better to lay it rest where it should be.
“Haah…”
With a loud sigh, she then pushed herself upright.
Head in the game, Natasha calmly surveyed the area with an impassive facade.
What greeted her was an abnormal sight.
The redhead could recall the people that come and go to this part of the property.
It was a spacious area, where the loading and unloading bays were located for cargo vehicles.
Before the operation, there were guards on night duty, along with the workers who were moving the crates and boxes either by hand or using the forklifts.
There were traces of recent activity.
“…”
But it was dead quiet.
As if the people she had seen yesterday were never there in the first place.
It was a testament how Rey keeps his promises.
Just as he had always been with her now.
Then –
SCREEECH
“…!”
Natasha had no time to ponder though.
Her attention snapped to the entrance where she heard the sounds of engines revving and the squeals of tires rubbing against the pavement.
Vrooom
SCREEECH
Not a second later, three black SUVs and a large van arrived at the scene, parking close to the entrance of the warehouse.
Driven by instinct, Natasha quickly dived to the side of the warehouse to hide.
Slowly, she peeked a bit of her head out, just enough to spy on the new arrivals from her position.
CHUK CHUK CHUK
THUD THUD THUD
Almost immediately after parking, the occupants exited the vehicles.
Natasha narrowed her eyes.
Whether she knew it or not, she suddenly fell into that familiar state where she needed to gather information to better assess the situation.
Natasha calls that side of her, the Black Widow.
(But if one were to ask for Hadrian’s opinion, he would say that she’s just being her usual self.)
The occupants in question were actually a large group of people.
She then counted them in her head, mouthing subconsciously as she did so.
Green eyes focused, roving from one person to another.
‘One, two, three… fifteen. There’s fifteen of them.’
Next, she took note of their attire.
All of them were dressed in black suits, wearing masks on their lower faces, and donning blue armbands around their upper left arms.
Much like a certain someone she happens to know.
TAP
TAP
TAP
‘Hmm…’
Natasha stared in thought, tapping a finger against the ground beneath her.
The people in suits, men and women (with the former winning by a slight margin), moved into a cohesive unit.
They wore calm and stern expressions, exuding a caution to their surroundings and a level of professionalism that she rarely sees in the marketplace.
Interestingly enough, they all wore some type of jewelry.
Most wore earrings and wristbands, while others had necklaces and expensive-looking watches hidden under the sleeves of their blazers.
If not for their masks, gloves and the guns holstered around their legs, Natasha would have mistaken them for a group of weird rich people who got lost and arrived at the wrong location instead of a party.
Natasha paused, head tilting as she recalled a certain someone.
‘Given that smile of his earlier and what I heard from his end, it might as well be one…’
A tiny smile formed on her lips as she shook her head in amusement.
Natasha turned her gaze to the group again –
CHUK
THUD
Step
– just in time to see a man exit from the first SUV that entered the property.
The man began issuing commands in a loud voice, while grabbing something out of his pocket.
“~~~”
Her forehead wrinkled lightly, trying to understand the language he was using, but –
SHING
– her eyes snapped to a small detail that somehow caught her attention.
“Oh?”
Natasha blinked in surprise as her eyes focused on it.
On the lapel of his jacket, there was a silver ornament, a brooch pin with a detailed image of an emblem of some kind.
She has no interest in stealing it or whatever.
Rather, it was a bit familiar to her.
“…!”
Green eyes widened in realization.
Her mind immediately went to Rey, whom she had also seen wearing a gold brooch on the lapel of his blazer before.
Glancing to the man standing a fair distance from where she hid, she zoned in on the pin.
Their sizes and colors differ, but the details on both items are the same.
Meaning –
‘Someone among them is the one I’m supposed to meet…’ Natasha finished in her mind.
Natasha was aware that she was to deliver the safe to a man named Luka.
She didn’t forget her next task.
Her instinct simply took over when she noticed the arrival of vehicles and the group of people made her wary and cautious to approach.
The handguns holstered around their thighs and the way some of them moved, almost prowling, as they investigate and secure the property made her wonder whether they were hostile or not.
“…”
Natasha bit her lower lip, feeling a bit of doubt creeping in.
The Black Widow inside did not want her to approach such dangerous people, but Natasha had confirmed that they were related to Rey.
After some contemplation, Natasha sighed.
In the end, she decided to trust in Rey.
But to sate the Black Widow’s worries for her own safety, Natasha would have to be wary and alert in case something happens.
“Haah…”
Exhaling deeply, Natasha stepped out of the shadows and began her approach to the man with the silver pin.
Step
Step
“Oi, look.”
“Hm?”
“Oh?”
Immediately, most eyes were on her, locking onto her approaching figure with narrowed gazes.
With the exception of the group across from her, Natasha supposed the lack of activity around the area made it easier for them to notice her.
While a bit unnerved by their attention, Natasha endured it in silence and made her way to the man with the silver brooch.
And it was not as bad as it seemed.
Unlike the fools in the marketplace, the people in black suits were not leering at her or reacting disrespectfully. There was no rude vitriol, and the men don’t have disgusting glint in their eyes.
Instead, they were observant, quietly assessing if she was bearing any ill intentions.
Their bodies were tensed, coiled like springs, just as she was with them as they observed her in turn.
‘Nnggh…’ She groaned in her mind.
Natasha’s impassive expression turned a bit stiff as she walked passed the suits.
More heads turned to her as she walked to the man with the silver brooch, who stood by one of the black SUVs.
Interestingly enough, no one moved to deter her.
Not one of them reached for the guns holstered around their thighs, or the weapons concealed on their persons.
Natasha thought they would have done so by now, but to her quiet surprise, they were simply observing her silently rather than opting to do something drastic.
The redhead had seen enough idiots do that in the past, specifically street thugs and simple-minded mercenaries trying to intimidate others.
It hit her then that these people were ideal examples of how professional operatives behave.
The tension inside her faded after they slowly turned their attention away from her, one by one, as they moved along to focus on their own tasks.
Rather than cautious, it was more like they took note of her presence now before turning away to mind their own business.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Some looked on with curiosity, but made no other attempts apart from a few glances in her way.
Satisfied by this, Natasha focused on the front –
…
…
Natasha stopped in her tracks.
Black.
More accurately, the black color of the suit was the first thing she noticed.
Her fingers twitched, a reflex mechanism on her part, as her hands were itching to reach for the weapons attached to her person.
Natasha exhaled deeply, calming her startled nerves.
Then –
SHING
Green eyes caught sight of a familiar silver brooch on the lapel of the blazer.
Stomping down the urge to grab the Classic and one of her knives, she slowly tilted her head up to see who was in front of her.
And true enough, it was the face of the man she intended to approach.
Said man was tall, around 5’11, with an average build.
He has short black hair and brown eyes.
He was the only one without a mask to hide his face.
Thus, it was easy to note his European features in case she happens to encounter him in the future.
“…”
“…”
One moment or two passed.
The silence stretched between them as Natasha and the man stared each other down.
Eventually, one has to give in.
And it was the latter that did it.
“You must be the girl that his highness has spoken of.” The man said calmly in Russian, one hand in his pocket.
“And you must be Luka.” Natasha returned.
There was no doubt in her voice, only confidence.
Inwardly, Natasha wondered who this ‘highness’ was before connecting the dots in her head and assumed that he was speaking of Rey.
The man, Luka, smiled in light amusement.
Briefly, he glanced at his fellow suits, exchanging nods with them.
Then, he turned back to her.
“…?”
Belatedly, Natasha noticed that the tension in the air became more relaxed after that particular moment.
It seemed that the man in front of her was the leader of the group, given as the other suits returned to their tasks without giving her another glance.
“Indeed, I am.” Luka confirmed with a slight nod.
The smile faded as he regained his calm and asked solemnly.
“Do you have the safe?”
“Right here.” Natasha replied in monotone, gesturing to the satchel beside her.
Wordlessly, Luka extended his hand to her, a silent gesture for her to hand the object to him.
Seeing this, Natasha opened the bag and grabbed the safe, then placed it in his open palm.
Just as he pulled his hand back, a young woman in a black suit with light brown hair set in a high ponytail and blue eyes stepped forward with a metal briefcase opened in her hands.
“Sir?”
“Alright…”
Luka turned to her.
He placed the safe in the briefcase before closing the top lid and the latches on the side.
The female brunette turned away, walking back to one of the cars parked nearby.
Her apparent destination was the van.
One of the side doors slid open for her to enter, and the young woman climbed inside.
Natasha looked on curiously, catching a glimpse of the interior before the door closed.
It was quick, but she definitely saw a computer with a few monitors attached to the other side of the van.
It reminded her of one of those portable surveillance hubs that she had seen before. Probably a lot more sophisticated with its functions, given what she had seen with Rey’s fancy toys.
Natasha turned her gaze just in time to meet Luka’s eyes.
“Thank you for retrieving the safe on my liege’s behalf. Even if you are merely returning a favor, you can be assured of a reward for your assistance.” Luka said with a small smile of gratitude.
He looked a bit relaxed now that one of his charge’s objectives was a success, thanks to the young girl before him.
“…”
Caught by surprise, Natasha blinked and shifted once from where she stood, unsure of how to react.
In the end, she ignored his words and focused on something important instead.
“A reward?” Natasha repeated in surprise and curiosity.
“Yes.” Luka affirmed with a small smile. “His Highness is the kind that cares for those who work for him. And since you’ve done well in retrieving the safe in his stead, I’m sure you’ll receive a reward for your efforts later. He is not the sort to forget those who work for him earnestly and loyally, even to those untested and new.”
“…?”
Natasha raised an eyebrow at the last part of his sentence.
She took note of it, setting it aside for later.
The redhead focused on what was more interesting to her.
“When you say ‘highness’, are you referring to Rey?” Natasha began slowly.
“Yes.” Luka answered with a slight nod.
“Why do you call him that?” Natasha asked out of curiosity.
“…”
Here, Luka paused to consider his words.
Glancing upwards briefly in thought, the man turned back to her a moment later.
“Before I answer, may I know the duration of your contract with my liege?” Luka asked politely.
Natasha blinked at the question.
“Uh… it’s only until after this operation.” The redhead answered.
Then her mind catches up.
‘Ah, shit…’
It was a mistake on her part.
And Natasha realized it quickly when she saw Luka nodded.
“Hm, I see. Then, I will not say more other than this.” Luka straightened his posture as he went on. “It is due to a part of everything related to him.”
His vague words only drew a confused look from the young redhead.
“What do you mean?” Natasha inquired, highly intrigued by the answer.
“I’m afraid I cannot elaborate any further than that, especially to an outsider. It is not my place to discuss matters related to my liege, lest I wish to earn his displeasure.” He said apologetically.
“…”
While face still impassive, Natasha’s green eyes narrowed into a mild glare.
Luka smiled, inwardly amused by the frown directed at him.
Realizing that he would not speak more on the subject, Natasha turned away from him with a frown, partly annoyed and partly intrigued by his words.
Calmly, she internalized and sifted through the mental file with the name Rey.
The man’s words were vague, almost indecipherable even, but it was a small lead and allowed her to pinpoint the hints to what little information she had gathered on Rey so far.
What was clear to her was that Rey seemed to be a real member of a secret organization, and one of those in higher status at that.
Otherwise, the man and everyone who she had seen speak to Rey would not be so careful and respectful while in his presence.
The way Luka spoke of him, Natasha could hear the admiration and reverence in his voice.
Then, she thought of what Luka said regarding how he and his colleagues would refer to him with what seemed to be aristocratic titles.
Not that she had any experience in meeting someone with a prestigious background, Natasha could agree that Rey has the aura of someone with a higher purpose.
It was not just in his bearing and demeanor; there was also his appearance.
And if Luka was not kidding, which she highly doubted he was, then Rey must be a prodigy of some sort, since people who associate an individual with a royal title were never ordinary.
No, people like that often possess a great talent that would force others to acknowledge their existence and potential.
It was a bit too early to tell, but from what she had seen of Rey’s actions, Natasha felt that she might not be too far off from the truth.
At least, that was what her instincts were telling her.
Natasha knew better than to doubt herself when it came to such things.
Her musings came to a halt when –
BANG
– twin doors slammed open to her left.
FWIP
The sudden noise caused all heads in the vicinity to look at the source with tense expressions, some even reaching for their holstered guns.
Natasha included.
But there was no need to.
…
“Oh, it’s his highness.”
“That… was loud…”
“Damn, that nearly made me shit my pants…”
“Gross…”
“Ey, ey! Too much info, man!”
…
The people in suits relaxed when they sensed a familiar presence near the entrance.
Natasha was silent, but…
Thu-thump
Thu-thump
The silhouette caused her heart to skip a few beats, as that trademark ash-silver hair she would recognize anywhere, was noticeable even in the shadows.
But there was something amiss.
“…?”
Natasha didn’t have to wonder for long as Rey soon came into view.
Step
Step
As always, Rey looked poised even with his shoulders squared and his back upright.
The lower excess of his blazer/coat fluttered dramatically as he moved at a casual pace. His left-hand holding his signature weapons, Tempest and Lapis.
What was different about him was the object on his face.
It was not the white mask that bore an eerie smile.
Instead, it was jet-black and covered the lower part of his face, starting from his nose and down.
It was similar to the ones that the suits around her wore, except his mask was more intricately skull-ish in its design and decorated with gold details.
With only his lower face covered, Natasha has a good view of his eyes…
Her breath hitched.
…and she was a bit stunned by what she saw.
The playful and gentle light in his eyes was gone, replaced by a calm and calculating look that only augmented in its intensity due to the natural shadow his long lashes provided.
Natasha was already quite conscious of his ethereal beauty, even if she tries to downplay it in her mind and ignore that fact most of the time.
But…
The way he appeared now merely cemented that little persistent nugget in her mind.
The moment she saw the intensity in his bright cyan eyes, the chilling pressure they exuded, it caused the small hairs on her neck and arms to rise.
Even with the mask covering his lower face, the golden ratio of his countenance was still quite remarkable to behold. The structure of his jawline was prominent even through the mask, as if the latter was the one who had to adjust to his face, not the other way around.
It was probably the reason why he was always stared at by people, as Natasha recalls that time when they were in the supermarket a few days ago.
Seeing him in this manner, Natasha couldn’t help but agree with Luka and his fellow suits, about referring to Rey with royal titles.
There was something… indescribably alluring about him now.
Whether it was in the graceful yet dominating way he moved (or stalked), the regal aura he was subconsciously releasing, or the calm yet piercing gaze that can quickly humble anyone with but a mere glance from him, Natasha was unsure.
One thing was clear to her, though…
Despite having half of his face covered –
…
“Oh my… that’s his Highness?”
“Thank you, Lord, for this blessing…!”
“Now, that’s not just fair…”
“Hey… hey…”
“What the– Ey, stop tugging on my jacket. Just say what you want, woman!”
“… I think I’m in love.”
“I think you need to get your head check.”
“Hehe, too late.”
…
Rey was unbelievably striking right now.
Even the suits, both men and women alike, were in a tizzy.
Turning away with a frown from a few suits making a fool of themselves, Natasha redirected her gaze to Rey –
SHUUUK
Her eyes lowered.
‘Oh…’
Her mind blanked as she realized that he was holding something in his right hand.
‘No… not something, someone.’ Natasha amended, watching grimly as Rey continued striding his way to where she and Luka stood.
Step
Step
SHUUUK
The clothes were different, but there was no mistake as to who Rey had brought with him.
It was the target, Keres Komorov.
Unlike when she had last seen of the fool, the despicable man was dead, evidently enough due to the thin slit across his throat and the large cut on his chest.
Blood poured out from the wounds, drizzling down to his back, and leaving trails, droplets of the viscous substance, on the ground.
But no, she was not surprised to see the arrogant fool dead.
The man was a target, after all.
What truly bothered her was the manner in which Rey held him.
SHUUUK
He was dragging the lifeless body of a grown man, a bit larger and taller than him, by the fistful of his front shirt…
… in one hand.
The corpse was spread out with his back facing the ground.
His arms almost touched the ground, and his feet were dragged, leaving small trails on the dirt as Rey carried the dead weight (literally) in one hand.
The latter looked entirely unaffected.
He stalked forward in a casual gait, calm and poised even as the others in the area cast him nervous glances, who all went quiet once they noticed how he brought the corpse with him.
“…”
Natasha watched his approach with an unreadable expression, unable to help herself from glancing at the body occasionally.
Once he was a meter away, Rey dropped the target’s body next to his feet.
THUD
SPLAT
The sound of tender flesh hitting the ground was a bit loud.
In effect, a bit of the blood splattered near her direction, almost close to where she stood.
Natasha resisted the urge to step away.
As much as she despised a low-life scum like Keres, the dead target’s blank eyes, and the blood from the cut on his throat dribbling down his face was a bit uncomfortable even for her.
“Haah…”
Natasha turned her gaze to Rey, just in time to see him remove the mask.
He was not looking at her though.
No, his attention was on Luka, who stood a few feet away beside her.
“Luka?” Rey began softly, almost whispering.
“Yes, sir?” Luka responded dutifully, suddenly standing in attention.
“Have the others secure the warehouse, and raid this pest’s office for any leads on the client’s other belongings.” Rey ordered, exhaling deeply.
“Also, there are… civilians in one of the rooms. They were deeply disturbed by the scenes they witnessed. Please issue a ‘modification’ for them. Provide them with basic provisions, and a bit of money before release as well. Put it on my account, so it can be paid immediately.”
He paused and glanced down at the corpse near his feet.
“And have someone take this body and deliver it to the organization as proof of elimination. The client might request it.”
“It shall be done, your highness.” Luka said in a solemn tone.
The man was about to go and relay his orders to his team, but…
Rey paused again, then turned to Luka.
The man blinked in turn.
“…”
Standing on the side, green eyes quietly observed the two’s interaction with mild amusement.
“Sir?” Luka prodded, polite and a bit nervous.
It was a few moments before Rey spoke.
“… Does anyone in your team have weak stomachs?”
The sudden question was strange.
Enough to make Natasha and Luka lift their brows in surprise.
But Luka was quick to regain his composure.
“Why do you ask, sir?” The attendant tilted his head.
Rey sighed, shaking his head slightly.
“I suggest for you to pick those with strong resilience to… ghastly scenes and have them clean up the room where the witnesses are gathered. I believe I made too much of a mess there…” Rey suggested, mindful to a certain redhead’s presence.
Although he phrased it in an absentminded manner, there was a solemn tone in his words.
Which hinted to Luka how the operation went in his charge’s end.
While unsure, the attendant still nodded.
“… I shall do as you wish.” Luka bowed shortly.
Then, the man turned to the other suits and began issuing orders to them.
On the other hand, Natasha stared at Rey.
The redhead wanted to ask what he meant, but the complicated expression he wore prevented her from questioning him, causing her to relent in the end and dismiss it.
One minute later, the corpse was quickly placed inside a body bag and situated in the back of one of the SUVs.
While some suits stayed to maintain the security of the property, the rest went inside and went to work, moving in confident strides as they followed the orders of their senior officer.
They all looked properly motivated as well, probably the effect of Rey’s presence.
Natasha wasn’t watching anymore.
Instead, she met Rey’s gaze, who blinked languidly before giving her a small smile.
“Well, hello there, little spider.” He greeted lightly, casually folding the mask, before pocketing it in one of the inner compartments of his blazer. “How’d it go on your end?”
“It was fine.” Natasha said after a few moments, shrugging her shoulder. “Bit boring though.”
“Haha, it’s better that way than the other way around.” Rey chuckled lightly, then glanced briefly at something below and beside her.
Natasha noticed the direction of his gaze, and assumed that he was looking at the satchel.
Her suspicion was confirmed when, not a moment later, he asked.
“Have you delivered the safe to Luka?”
Natasha was saved from responding when Luka, who returned to his side, spoke up for her.
“She has, sir.” The man confirmed. “The safe is secured and ready to be delivered to HQ.”
Rey gave him a slight nod of acknowledgment, which Luka accepted with grace before keeping a silent vigil at his side.
“What he said.” Natasha supplied in monotone, speaking once Rey turned his attention to her.
“So you have.” Rey nodded with a small smile.
Then, with amusement clear in his eyes, he gave a slow blink.
Thu-thump
It made the redhead’s heart skip a beat again.
Natasha doesn’t know why, but she found that annoyingly appealing.
“But I see that the bag is not empty. Why is that, little spider? Did you do a bit of shopping along the way before coming out here?”
His deep, resonant voice didn’t help either, almost making her forget his grim entrance earlier.
With the most expressionless face she could muster, Natasha gave a shameless shrug.
“Maybe, and it’s not like he was going to need it.” The redhead met his amused stare unflinchingly.
“True.” Rey agreed with a wry smile, conceding to her point. “Anyhow, this operation is over and done with. It’s time for us to leave.”
Natasha blinked in surprise.
“We’re not waiting for them?” Natasha gestured to the suits working in the background.
“No.” Rey said in amusement. “Both objectives were successfully met, so my part is done. Their task, on the other hand, is just beginning. Their main purpose here is to secure the warehouse and clean up the aftermath of the operation. Once that is complete, then they can leave.”
Natasha nodded slowly.
“I see…” she muttered, frowning in thought.
Noticing her distracted state, Rey turned to Luka.
“I leave the rest to you, Luka. Notify me if there are any issues.”
The latter acknowledged with a solemn nod.
“Of course, sir.”
With that said, Rey began to walk away, Luka following closely after him.
“…?”
Natasha blinked as she noticed that the car they arrived in was behind one of the SUVs.
The redhead jogged after them, once she realized where Rey was headed.
She went to the passenger seat, and she saw that Rey was on the other.
Once secured with the seatbelt on, Natasha watched in bemusement as Luka opened the door to the driver’s seat for Rey, which the latter took with a graceful nod before ducking inside.
“I bid you a safe return, your highness.” Luka said with a small smile.
“You too, Luka.” Rey gave man a slight wave.
The tinted window slid up as Rey turned the engine on.
Vrom
And they were off.
During the car ride, Natasha spoke up after a few minutes of reflection.
“You said there were survivors inside…”
“Yes, what of it?” Rey replied, keeping his eyes on the road.
“Are there women there?” Natasha asked softly.
“…yes.” Rey answered, after a moment of silence.
“What’ll happen to them?”
Natasha’s green eyes stared at her companion’s reflection on the tinted window at her side.
Rey smiled, already knowing what she was thinking of.
“They’ll be taken care of, don’t worry. I already gave Luka instructions to handle anything they would need before the witnesses are released.”
“And the modification? What does that mean?” Natasha asked, recalling the knowing look he gave Luka as he said it that time.
Rey hummed, considering his words as he maneuvered the car with a few turns on the road.
“Therapy session.” Rey finally said, then in his mind.
‘Sort of… if modifying their memories via magic could be called as such.”
Noticing the redhead’s surprised expression, Rey gave her a smile, despite his thoughts.
“They went through tough times, so they need all the help they can get. I merely ordered Luka to provide what the witnesses will need to recover from their current conditions, and they will be released once they are fit and healthy to return to their normal lives. Nothing bad will happen to them, I promise.” Rey said in confidence.
Natasha’s impassive face softened.
“If you say so…”
The redhead leaned back into her seat with a soft sigh, closing her eyes as she relaxed.
The ride on the way back to the hotel, and up to the penthouse, was spent in silence.
Neither talked, but they are content with each other’s company.