The room was dim, lit only by the faint glow of a single desk lamp.

A tall figure sat with his back to the window, the curtains drawn tight, shadows swallowing his features.

The faint hum of the city outside did not reach here; this place felt cut off, suspended in silence.

Two spies stood before him, their posture low, their eyes fixed on the floor in deference.

They exchanged a glance, then the first one spoke, his voice steady but cautious.

“We’ve been monitoring the girl as ...