As night fell over the endless stretch of ocean, the cruise ship transformed into a glowing jewel over the waves. Soft jazz and vibrant pop floated through the salted air, blending into the hum of laughter and clinking glasses.
On the lower deck, a grand evening party had begun — couples swaying under fairy lights, drinks in hand, the ocean stretching dark and endless beyond the rails.
Leah stood near the edge, her dress — simple but elegant — blending her into the crowd. Her hair was tied up neatly, a few strands falling around her face. She wasn't much for parties, and even less for public displays. Her mission focus remained sharp.
Stefan approached with two glasses, handing her one with a teasing smile. "It's just soda, relax."
She smirked lightly, taking the glass but raising a brow. "Don't push your luck."
Nearby, Elara and Chris were laughing at some joke, while Kessa and David tried (badly) to blend in as a 'honeymoon' couple, making a few people snicker.
Then, the music shifted to a softer, slower tune.
Couples gathered to the dance floor.
Stefan offered his hand. "Mission performance, Captain?"
Leah hesitated — but it was part of their cover. She placed her hand in his without hesitation, letting him lead.
Their movements were natural, smooth, but Stefan's eyes gleamed with something a little too real. Leah remained focused, every nerve on high alert.
Until—
A sudden brush against her back.
A gloved hand — brief, almost accidental — steadying her when a couple bumped her from behind.
She froze for a fraction of a second.
The touch was... familiar. Confident. Not clumsy like a drunk guest.
Leah's eyes sharpened as she glanced around. But whoever it was, they had already melted into the crowd.
Still, something cold and electric prickled under her skin.
Stefan noticed her distracted look. "You alright?"
She nodded once, masking the flicker of suspicion. "Fine. Just... thinking."
High above, leaning casually on the upper deck railing, a man in a dark suit watched her every move — unseen but never unaware.
Daniel's eyes narrowed slightly when he saw Stefan's hand slide too comfortably around Leah's waist.
The glass in his hand creaked quietly under the pressure of his fingers.
he murmured someone under his breath, voice low, dangerous.
A ghost of a smirk touched his lips.
"This time... she'll come to me."
The ocean swallowed the whisper whole as the ship sailed deeper into the night.
---
Leah's POV
Morning light spilled over the cruise deck, glinting off the endless blue of the sea. The previous night's festivities seemed a distant echo now, replaced by sharpened senses and renewed purpose.
Leah adjusted the earpiece tucked into her ear and tightened the strap of her small backpack. They were docking in Chesua within the hour.
"Alright, team," she said in a low voice as they gathered in a less crowded corner of the deck, "this is how we move."
Kessa, Elara, David, Chris, and Stefan huddled close, each disguised in casual yet polished outfits that spoke of wealth and ease. Just another group of affluent tourists arriving to enjoy Chesua's luxury.
"We blend in with the guests heading to The Aveline Resort," Leah continued, her tone sharp. "That's where the initial meet is happening. Kessa and David, you'll cover the entry points. Elara and Chris, stay mobile inside. Stefan and I will handle the key targets."
David smirked. "Finally some beach time."
"Touch the beach and I'll personally drown you," Leah said dryly, drawing a few chuckles.
Stefan smiled more than necessary as he fell into step beside her. His hand brushed her arm lightly, as if offering steady support, but Leah stepped away smoothly, pretending not to notice.
Meanwhile - Daniel's POV
Above them, shielded behind layers of tinted glass in a private observation lounge, Daniel leaned back into his leather chair, a glass of dark whiskey cradled in his hand.
The subtle smile playing on his lips hadn't left since last night.
She had sensed him.
Not enough to recognize him... but enough to react.
Good.
He traced the rim of his glass lazily, his eyes fixed on the woman who had unknowingly stirred something dangerous within him.
"Let them play," Daniel muttered, his voice a low growl.
At his side, his second-in-command, Morgan, stood stiffly. "Sir, Markov's men are already in Chesua. Heavy activity at The Aveline Resort."
Daniel's smile deepened.
"Let's see how far our little hunter is willing to go."
He rose smoothly to his feet, adjusting the dark jacket that fit him like a second skin.
"And Morgan..."
"Yes, sir?"
"Make sure they don't see me... until I want them to."
The ship's horn echoed into the horizon as the cruise finally touched Chesua's gleaming port.
Leah's POV
Leah stepped off the ramp, her eyes scanning the luxurious resort town that sprawled before them. Sunlight glinted off marble fountains and golden statues. High-end cars rolled down clean, palm-lined roads. Wealth cloaked the air like heavy perfume.
She felt it again — a shift in the air. A weightless tension she couldn't explain.
Brushing the sensation aside, she motioned to her team.
"Game on."