Empires of Lies

Adrian

I watch Celeste closely as she clutches the black envelope, her gaze flickering to meet mine. There's no hesitation in her face, but I know better than to trust appearances.

"You have until midnight," he says, his voice casual but firm. "Make sure it's handled cleanly. No loose ends."

Celeste nods, slipping the envelope into her clutch as she rises from her seat. But before she can turn away, the door swings open, and a familiar figure steps inside- the only person I can trust by my side.

Dante Moretti.

Dante's sharp gaze flickers between me and Cleste before settling on the envelope in her hand. "So, this is the test?" he asks, his tone laced with skepticism. "Are you sure she"s up for it?"

I smirk. "That's what we're about to find out". "Right Ms. Carter?"

Another voice joins in, low and mocking. "I don't see why we're entertaining this farce."

Thats Lorenzo Salvatore, my second-in-command, he steps into the room, leaning against the doorframe. Unlike Dante whose loyalty is unshakable, Lorenzo is calculating, a man who thrives on doubt and chaos.

"She's an outsider," Lorenzo continues, folding his arms. "And you're letting her walk out of here with something that could bring us down."

I turn to face him, with unreadable expressions. "If she fails, we'll know where her loyalties lie. If she succeeds, then she's more useful than you think ."

"I love how we are pretending I am not sitting right here" Celeste speaks with a little irritation in her voice. 

Lorenzo scoffs but says nothing more. Dante, however, continues watching Celeste like a predator waiting for his prey to slip.

I step closer to Celeste, lowering my voice and inhaling her intoxicating scent that has me addicted since last time I saw her. "Don't disappoint me, Ms.Carter." 

Her gaze meets mine with an unwavering confidence."I don't intend to."

She turns on her heel and strides out of the room, leaving a palpable tension behind.

As the door clicks shut, Lorenzo shakes his head. "I hope you know what you're doing, Adrain."

I exhale, swirling the liquid in my glass. " So do I" I say. First time in my life doing something before plotting the action plan. 

Celeste POV

The night air is thick with tension as I step out onto the city streets ditching my car as I don't want anyone to hear my conversation. The envelope in my hand feels heavier than it should. I tuck it into my coat pocket, inhaling deeply. This isn't just a test—this my. chance to prove myself.

I glance at my watch. Three hours until midnight means it's the perfect time to call her.

I pull out my phone and dial a number I haven't used in weeks. After three rings. a familiar voice answers. 

"What the hell are you doing calling me?"Sienna Vasquez, my closet confidante in the FBI, hisses.

I need intel on a target," I say quickly, keeping my voice low as I weave through the crowd. "Confidential. Off the books."

"Celeste, if they find out—"

"They won't. Just do this for me."

Silence stretches between us before she sighs. "Fine. Who's the target?"

I glance around before whispering the name written inside the envelope.

Sienna curses under her breath. "Do you have any idea who you're messing with?"

"I don't have a choice," I say grimly. "Can you help me or not?"

"I'll see what I can dig up. But be careful, Celeste. You're playing with fire."

I end the call and slip my phone back into my pocket. I already know that. The question is—Can I control the burn before it consumes me?

I step into the shadows, heading towards my target. knowing full well that this night will change everything.