On the uppermost floor of the Tower, several individuals were seated around a sleek round table. Sirens sounded as all eyes were on Urimah.

  "Aluzara, mute the alarm on this floor."

  "Understood." With a click from the remote, the room went silent. She set the remote on the table as she stood by his side.

  Dynas and Kiann were present, as well as all the other directors. Morianna stood at the entrance, her mask duly reflecting the rays of the sun.

  "It appears Hezekiah is a handful. Any ideas how he escaped from the cell?" The first to speak was Heramon, the Director who managed the Organization's finances and was one of the few who spoke in the last meeting.

  "I'm telling you, he's not Hezekiah!" Dynas shouted, stealing a glance toward Kiann’s direction.

  As soon as Urimah threatened to execute them both, he planned to have the target killed in a way where the remains couldn't be identified. It’s not that he believed Hezekiah survived, but he couldn’t take any risks.

  But now, it’s clear someone made sure that wouldn’t happen.

  "Stop shouting, Dynas. How long will you keep looking miserable?" Urimah responded, tapping his fingers against the desk.

  Dynas bit his lip, frowning as he observed Aluzara opening a binder.

  Kiann crossed his arms as he stood from a distance, his fingers visibly trembling. This is nonsense. He unquestionably died that day. So why can’t I stop shaking? We’re not going to die here, are we...?

  He turned his attention toward the girl wearing a black mask. Who the hell is she? And why haven’t I seen her before?

  "According to the elevator system records, Ghiza's iris was scanned as he was unconscious," Aluzara stated.

  A small, short woman giggled as she stood from her seat. Her shoulder-length hair was bright pink, complimenting the red ribbons that decorated her hair. "How pathetic can he be? Not only did he fail to interrogate Falina, but even her brother is too much for him? Hehe, or maybe Hezekiah was more interesting than we thought."

  "You're overestimating Hezekiah, Artemis. He's nothing compared to an Abna. According to the timestamps provided by the system, Irva should have been there with Ghiza."

  "Uh-oh, Mr. Boss man. Sounds like your daughter has entered her rebellious phase. A little embarrassing at her age, don’t you think?" Artemis smiled.

  Urimah sighed before folding his hands. "She's not my daughter, and there's no definitive proof she allied with that fool. But her recent actions are concerning."

  Artemis leaned in closer. "No definitive proof? If I remember correctly what you told us, Irva defeated Hezekiah after she awakened, correct? But if that's true, then it's impossible for Hezekiah to take out both Ghiza and the brat. I can’t imagine you don’t see the obvious. Are you losing your edge?"

  Urimah hardened his gaze. "Don't overstep your boundaries, Artemis. I won't warn you a second time."

  Heramon raised his hand, gesturing toward Kiann. "Are we sure he should be here for this? I thought some matters were best left unknown."

  Kiann stiffened. There were a few names being thrown around he’d never heard before, and one of them supposedly defeated Hezekiah.

  What’s going on here? Ghiza, Irva, Abnas? Is there another section of Black Flowers they kept hidden from us?

  Aluzara rested her palms on the table, grinning. "There's no need to worry. Didn’t you get the email I sent you?"

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  "What email?" Dynas questioned. As Vice Head, he should be aware if any public announcements were going to be made, and he’s the one that typically sends them. Why wasn’t he aware of this?

  "It doesn’t concern you," Urimah responded. "Furthermore, as our current situation develops, I suggest we—"

  "Why don’t you just say it?" Dynas demanded as he sprang from his seat. "You’ve all made up your mind to get rid of us, haven’t you!?"

  "Stop being a scaredy cat. Don’t you have a little faith in your beloved nephew?" Artemis teased.

  "You expect me to believe that Urimah suddenly trusts Kiann with this information? Falina has already jeopardized the Organization, and you suspect us of being traitors! How else am I supposed to interpret this!?"

  Heramon kept his gaze a little longer on Artemis before speaking to Dynas. "Why bring this up now? The issue will resolve itself when time allows."

  "How mean of you to doubt us. Aren’t we all family of the same garden?" Artemis’s lips curved as she planted her elbows on the table. "But we may or may not have already obtained Hezekiah’s blood sample while he was asleep. And well— I’ll just leave it there."

  Kiann and Dynas’s skin froze.

  "You mean you didn’t wait for... Forget it. Then everything is all clear, right!?" Dynas asked, his tone tinged with weariness. He turned toward Urimah and Aluzara, who didn’t look too happy at the moment.

  "Morianna," Urimah spoke, "Escort Artemis from the premises. Her presence is no longer welcomed."

  Morianna lifted her head, seeing Artemis twinkling her fingers at her. But she’s...

  "Of course, take care of Dynas and Kiann first. They’re no longer needed."

  "You’re going to kill us now!?" Kiann exclaimed.

  Within a single moment, the masked girl was before his face. How did she—

  Before Kiann completed his thought, she struck his jaw with her palm, fracturing bones within.

  "Kiann!" Dynas called. He watched his nephew fall without any resistance. He traced his steps back, balling his fists.

  "Unbelievable... I refuse to believe my nephew lied about killing Hezekiah!" He fitted his hand inside his suit. "You’re setting us up!!"

  A needle of black smoke jetted through his chest, carrying him into the air.

  Blood slithered from his lips. His skin wrinkled rapidly and darkened. His hair turned gray in seconds as his bones began to press on his shriveled skin.

  "Your desperate struggle is understandable, but this was the only logical outcome, Dynas," Urimah added.

  A few of the directors shared looks with each other with varying expressions; some were as stiff as statues. They watched the smoke needle retract, dropping Dynas to the ground.

  A crescent-shaped gun fell out of his suit, traced with vibrant purple edges.

  Artemis chuckled. "What did he believe he was going to achieve with that?" She rose, stretching as she looked out the window as if she were enjoying a good show.

  "How ironic..." Dynas laughed before coughing, staining his suit with blood. "Loyalty means nothing here. No wonder everything is falling away from you—the Black Flowers, Irva, and of course, the two siblings who started all of this."

  "Sir Urimah... I kept his heart intact. You want them to be executed live, right?" Morianna voiced as the black smoke receded into her skin.

  "Much thanks for saving us a headache, little misfit. But there’s someone else who’s overstaying their visit," Aluzara smiled.

  "Whoa now—before you kick me out, I’m interested in meeting your new troublemaker. Someone responsible for the death of two directors would be a treat to see."

  "Hate to break it to you, Artemis, but we’re not here to entertain you," Aluzara stated before setting down her binder. "Morianna, please show her the exi—"

  "I’m sorry!" A female director clutched her stomach, her breaths rapid and short. "I’m sorry! I can’t ignore this sudden pain any longer. I think I caught a virus this morning." Sweat soaked her cheeks as her skin reddened. "It hurts... allow me to be dismissed!"

  "I’m afraid that’ll have to wait," Aluzara responded before her phone vibrated on the desk. Why are these idiots calling? They better have a good reason to be contacting me during a meeting.

  She looked at Urimah, who nodded in response. "Just answer it. I’ll take care of the rest."

  "I’ll be quick." After making her way to a more isolated space in the room, she answered her phone.

  High-pitched screams were immediately picked up in the background. What in the—

  "Ms. Aluzara! Thank goodness one of you picked up."

  "Axel, why do I hear screaming? Did something happen at the front end?"

  "It’s insane. The customers and staff are freaking out. Lots of people are feeling sick all of a sudden, a couple of employees have passed out as well, but that’s the least of our worries."

  Aluzara furrowed her brows. "Get to the point."

  There was a brief pause on the phone. "No one is able to leave. I’ve never seen anything like this, but anyone that tries to exit is stopped by some kind of force..."

  "What?" Aluzara’s chest tightened. If that’s true, then either an Abna or a Huska Tool must be involved. Has the Unity Council found us already? No, they wouldn’t involve ordinary people like this.

  "We can’t leave, Ms. Aluzara. Emergency exits and even windows are blocked off. I’m one of the few chief managers who was able to call you; the others have either collapsed or are too mentally drained to do anything."

  Aluzara took a deep breath, shooting a glance at the other directors. "In case you’re not aware, our hands are tied with Hezekiah. Dial emergency services for now and investigate common signs you’re seeing among the sick individuals."