Ever since I escaped the Don's execution order, I have trained ruthlessly.
Bang. Bang. Bang.
The sharp crack of my gunshot echoed across the underground training range. A metal target twenty meters away swung violently on its chain.
"You're improving, boss," Kael's voice sounded behind me.
I didn't turn. Lowering the pistol slightly, I fired three rapid shots.
Bang. Bang. Bang.
The bullets pierced straight through the center of the metal target. A small smile crept across my lips as I lowered the gun.
Three years ago, I had never even held one.
Three years ago, I believed the world had rules. That if you worked hard enough, if you stayed loyal, if you trusted the right people… things would eventually be fair.
But the world wasn't fair.
The world belonged to the ruthless. And if I wanted to survive in it, I had to become one of them.
Kael walked forward, studying the target closely. "Impressive," he muttered.
I removed the gloves from my hands slowly.
"I'm not trying to be perfect," I said calmly. "I only need to be better than the men trying to kill me."
Kael gave a small nod. "Fair point." He leaned against the metal table before speaking again. "Our scouts have confirmed the exact location."
I looked at him immediately, taking off my gloves completely, I tossed them onto the table. "The auction?" I asked.
"Yes." His voice hardened, "It's happening tonight at an old warehouse near the eastern port."
"How tight is the security?" I asked.
"Very tight," Kael replied, "but it's something our men can pass through. Here's a VIP pass to get in." He stretched his hand toward me, offering a black vintage card.
"Nice," I said with a faint smile as I collected it.
He continued, "Most of the buyers tonight are politicians, foreign investors, and other high-profile men. No women allowed."
My fingers tightened around the card.
"Good," I said. "Tonight I'll disguise myself as one of them."
****
Later that night…
I stood inside my room, staring at the black outfit laid across the bed, brought earlier by one of my men. A fitted black tactical suit designed with an aura of power.
I began dressing slowly, first the fitted black pants, then the lightweight armored jacket.
I tied my hair up, put on a hat, and pulled a black skull face mask over my face, trying to conceal my feminine features.
Outside the underground base, my men prepared the vehicles, checked weapons, and reviewed the routes. This was one of the nights we had been planning for.
Nothing could go wrong.
I reached for the long black gloves, pulling them on one finger at a time. Walking slowly to the mirror, I studied my reflection.
Cold. Unrecognizable. No one would recognize the woman beneath this disguise—not even Don Virelli if fate ever placed us in the same room.
I reached for the pistol resting on the table beside my bed, wrapping my fingers around it instinctively. I checked the magazine.
Full.
The safety clicked softly as I holstered it at my side. I bent slightly and pulled my boot closer, picking up a thin pocket knife from the small table beside the bed. My fingers ran along the blade, and it nicked my skin slightly.
Good. Sharp enough to slit a throat if necessary. I slid it carefully into the hidden sheath inside my boot.
Always have a second weapon. A rule I learned the hard way while working with the Don.
A knock sounded at the door. "Boss." it was Kael's voice.
I grabbed the pistol and turned toward the exit. "Come in." The door opened. Kael paused slightly when he saw me fully dressed for combat.
"All teams are ready," he said.
I walked past him toward the hallway.
"Then let's not keep our guests waiting."
The underground corridors buzzed with controlled movement as we stepped out. Men dressed in dark gear moved efficiently, loading rifles and preparing equipment.
The moment my presence was noticed, they straightened instantly in respect.
I stopped at the center of the room. "Tonight," I said calmly, "we rescue every girl held in captivity at that auction."
A few men nodded. I continued, "Inside that warehouse are girls who believe no one is coming for them. Girls who have lost all hope… who no longer know what to believe in."
Silence filled the room in a heavy and expectant way.
"Tonight…" I pulled my mask fully into place. "…we give them something to believe in."
Kael stepped forward. "Vehicles are ready."
I walked toward the exit tunnel leading into the forest. Cool night air rushed in as the doors opened.
Black SUVs waited outside like silent predators. Just before stepping out, I stopped and gave my men one last glance.
"Remember the rule."
The men behind me spoke in unison.
"No girl left behind."