The sun burned weakly through the city smog. Liora Kane walked the streets with purpose.
Every shadow was a threat. Every step measured.
Marcus Vey had escalated. Security teams patrolled areas she once moved through freely.
Surveillance cameras caught faces, footsteps, every interaction. She knew the risk. She didn't care.
Kieran met her at the safehouse. "We need a plan," he said
"We can't keep reacting. He's gaining ground."
Liora nodded. "Then we stop reacting." She spread the map across the table. Routes, patrols, blind spots. Every mistake counted. Every choice had consequences.
Tessa leaned over. "You want him to make a mistake. You're counting on his arrogance."
"Exactly," Liora said. "He thinks he controls everything. That's his weakness."
The plan was daring. Strike at his supply chain, expose his corruption, send a message that he wasn't untouchable. Clean. Precise. Ruthless
The night came. Rain slicked streets reflected neon like shards of glass. Liora moved with Tessa and Kieran.
Timing was everything. One slip and it would all collapse.
They reached the first target. A warehouse full of contraband, guarded and reinforced. Liora signaled. Kieran disabled cameras. Tessa covered their escape route.
Inside, Liora moved fast. Every crate opened, every document photographed, every detail exposed. She left no trace except the evidence they needed. A warning. A declaration.
By the time they exited, the city felt different. Alive. Watching. Responding. The first blow had landed.
But the price became clear. One of Marcus's men had noticed them. Chase began immediately. Gunfire. Shouts. Chaos.
Liora ran. No hesitation. No apology. Tessa kept pace. Kieran trailed behind. The alleyways blurred. The rain slicked streets became a labyrinth.
They reached a safe corner. Liora pressed her back to the wall, chest heaving. "We're just getting started," she said. Her voice was calm. Cold. Determined.
Tessa looked at her. "This… this is bigger than we thought."
"I know," Liora said. "And if we don't draw the line now, we'll be buried under it later. Everyone has limits. Everyone has lines. I've found mine. And I will not cross it. Not for anyone. Not for anything."
Kieran exhaled. "You're reckless."
"Reckless is surviving," Liora said. "Surviving is just the first step.
Next is winning. And I don't plan to apologize for it."
The night swallowed them. The city watched. Liora Kane had drawn her line. And everyone else would see it soon.