Sierra Lancaster sat beneath the estate's ancient chandelier, its crystals dripping light like icicles, her mind thousands of miles away. The envelope still burned in her memory. It wasn't just a message—it was a summons. And she knew better than to ignore a summons from the network that raised her from blood and silence.
She walked to her wardrobe and pressed the back panel. With a hiss, the wall slid open, revealing a compartment no one—not even Xavier—knew existed.
Inside were relics of a different life.
She ran her fingers over the gloves first: black, seamless, reinforced with a titanium weave. Her hands slid into them easily. Still a perfect fit. Like muscle memory had never faded.
Next came the passport, marked with the name Elara Voss, her deepest alias. Then the small silver case—containing a retractable blade, contact lenses, and a ring coated in fast-acting nerve agent.
She took a breath, eyes closed.
Sierra had traded this world for a life of security. Of expensive linens, strategic charity work, and socialite smiles. She'd married Xavier Lancaster not for love—but to disappear. To bury "Viper" behind fine jewelry and gala gowns.
And yet, it was never enough.
Now the past was clawing through the silk.
Her phone pinged again—Xavier, again. "We need to talk."
She typed back: "Soon."
Then she picked up the forged ID, the gloves, the case, and moved to the floor safe. Inside was a burner phone, already flashing.
One message: "Same target. Location: Dubai. Forty-eight hours. Failure ends you."
Sierra didn't flinch.
She zipped the gloves inside her carry-on, tossed a silk dress over it, and stepped back into her perfect life.
But behind her, Viper had awakened.
And this time, she wouldn't hesitate to strike.