Ashley looked at herself in the mirror, adjusting the hem of her dress. Cole had helped her slot the backup cybernetic leg into the port earlier before heading back to his own unit to clean up. The neural shunts still burned where the hardware met the meat. The tight, form-fitting black dress hugged her athletic frame. She classed it up with a heavy gold chain. It caught the ambient lumens in the hab-unit. It had been her mother's, one of the few things she kept from her old life before the Domain, before everything changed.

  She wasn't sure why she'd dressed up. Maybe it was the need to feel normal after nearly dying. Or maybe it was something else entirely. Something she didn't want to examine too closely.

  She exited the hab and took the drop to the bar level.

  She saw Cole waiting at the bar. A localized pressure spike hit her chest cavity. He was wearing a pair of jeans and a blue t-shirt, swirling a beer in his hand. The bar's neon bled over his damaged chrome arm. Even battered, even exhausted, he looked.

  "Didn't know this was something to dress up for," he commented, taking a sip of his beer.

  "What, a girl can't want to feel human after nearly dying?" Ashley slid onto the barstool beside him, signaling the bartender. "Besides, someone has to class up this establishment."

  "Fair point," Cole said, raising his beer. "To keeping our organs on the inside where they belong."

  "Pure poetry." Ashley laughed. The bartender slotted a glass of something amber and high-credit in front of her. "You really know how to charm a girl."

  They clinked glasses and drank. The alcohol burned pleasantly, washing away some of the lingering taste of blood and chemical smoke.

  The bar's ambient noise filled the room. A badly calibrated holo-projector rendered the underground blood sports in the center of the room. In the corner, some corp-suit was screaming at his neural-broker, trying to execute a trade before his margin called.

  "So," Cole finally said, "want to talk about what Sarah was speaking about?"

  "Which part? The dying confession about things we don't understand, or the ominous warning about someone coming?"

  "Both. Either. I don't know." Cole rubbed his face.

  Ashley shook her head. "Tomorrow. Tonight, I just want to pretend we're regular people who didn't just kill two Domains in aerial combat."

  "Regular people." Cole chewed on the concept. "I barely remember what that's like."

  "Sure you do. Regular people complain about their jobs, drink overpriced alcohol, and make bad decisions." Ashley gestured around the bar. "We're two for three already."

  "What bad decision are we making?"

  "Drinking on empty stomachs after massive blood loss, for starters." Ashley flagged the bartender. "Can we get some food? Whatever's hot"

  The bartender nodded, disappearing into the kitchen.

  Cole turned his beer glass in his hands, watching the liquid swirl. "You lied about your car."

  "I did."

  "You calculated that we'd get into trouble."

  "I did."

  "You were willing to let my Ryzen get destroyed to protect your Seraph."

  "I was."

  Cole looked at her. "That's incredibly manipulative."

  Ashley met his gaze steadily. "Yes."

  They stared at each other for a long moment. Then Cole started laughing, his shoulders shaking with it. "God, Ashley. Only you would admit to that without even trying to justify it."

  "Would you prefer I pretend to feel guilty?" She took another sip. "We both know I'd do it again."

  "At least you're honest about it."

  "After what we've been through? Seems pointless to lie." She paused. "About most things, anyway."

  The food arrived. They inhaled it, both hungrier than they'd realized. The bar filled up around them, other residents of the building filtering in for their evening drinks. None of them had any idea that the two people quietly eating at the bar had just fought a battle that shook the industrial district.

  "You fought well tonight," Ashley said eventually. "That move with the Graviton spheres, creating the reflection cage around Titan? Amazing."

  "You're the one who overloaded Sarah's systems with targeting data.”

  "I may have made some illegal modifications to my rifle to enhance my God’s Eye Ability." Ashley smiled into her drink. "The warranty's definitely void."

  "I’d be surprised if you’re able to salvage the thing.”

  "True. I probably will need to build a new one." She turned to look at him. "Your Fractal Edge arm, how's it holding up? Those cascade impacts looked like they were taking a toll."

  Cole flexed his damaged left arm, servos whining. "It needs work. The primary actuators are shot, and I think the cascade matrix is cracked. But it'll hold for now."

  They ordered another round. The alcohol was helping to sand the sharp edges off the pain receptors. Ashley found herself studying Cole's profile as he watched the other patrons. The way the bar's lighting caught the planes of his face, the slight tension in his jaw that never quite went away, even when he was relaxing.

  "Can I ask you something?" she said.

  "Shoot."

  "Why didn't you hesitate? When Sarah grabbed you, when you were falling—you could have died. But you just kept fighting."

  Cole was quiet for a moment. "My grandmother used to say that hesitation was just fear wearing a mask of wisdom. That in a real fight, the one who commits fully is the one who walks away." He took a drink. "Plus, I knew you had my back."

  "How? We've barely fought together before tonight."

  "Call it instinct. Or maybe stupidity."

  Ashley finished her drink and stood, wobbling slightly. The combination of blood loss, nanobots, and alcohol was hitting harder than expected. "Speaking of which, I should probably head up. But... would you like some tea first? I have a data pad with some information you might appreciate."

  Cole blinked. "Tea?"

  "Yes, tea. You know, leaves steeped in hot water? Ancient human tradition?"

  "I know what tea is, I just—" Cole seemed to process this. "Sure. Tea sounds good."

  Ashley started toward the elevator, then paused when she realized Cole wasn't following. "You coming?"

  "I need to stop by my apartment first. Give me five minutes?"

  She frowned slightly, confused. "Okay? You know where my place is."

  Cole nodded and headed off toward the other elevator bank. Ashley watched him go, bewildered.

  Why did he need to stop by his apartment?

  She made it to her place, keying in the access code.

  She kicked off her heels with a heavy sigh. She moved to the kitchen island and pulled the data pad she'd promised. It contained information she'd been gathering for weeks, details about Domain advancement that Cole needed. She was studying it when her door chimed.

  She opened it. Cole stood in the hallway holding an ornate wooden box.

  "Since you were so kind to share your brew from Nullstrand City last time I figured I would share my favorite. Swarm City, you honestly can’t beat it." he said, holding up the box.

  Ashley stared at him. Then at the box. Then back at him.

  He'd thought she literally meant tea.

  She'd invited him up for "tea", the oldest euphemism in the book, and he'd actually brought some.

  Of course he wouldn't look at her that way. He was with Lia. If there was anything she’d learned from running with him, it was that Cole was one of the few guys in Forge City who wasn't a complete piece of shit.

  "That's... thoughtful," she managed, stepping aside to let him in. "I'll put the kettle on."

  “Here let me.”

  She had dimmed the interior lights for ambiance, she had told herself. Definitely not for any other reason. Now the low-light setup just made her feel ridiculous.

  She watched him navigate the kitchen.

  "You actually know how to make tea properly," she observed.

  "My mother was particular about it. Said most people just throw hot water at leaves and hope for the best." He measured out the leaves carefully. "This is about patience, timing. Like a good fight."

  "Everything's about fighting with you."

  "Says the woman who calculated my car's destruction into her battle plans."

  While the water heated, Ashley retrieved the data pad. "So, that information I mentioned. You're going to want to see this."

  Cole looked over as she pulled up a holographic display. It showed a map of the Null Strand region, with one area pulsing red.

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  "What am I looking at?"

  "An Angelic Illusionist rift beast. Confirmed sighting near Null Strand City a few days ago."

  Cole's entire demeanor changed, his casual posture shifting to intense focus. "You're sure?"

  "My sources are reliable. I know you’re probably nowhere near ready for advancement considering you had just become a Sequence Six not too long ago, but I figured you wouldn’t want to miss a guaranteed opportunity.”

  Ashley noticed Cole fidgeting a bit as if he had something on his mind he wanted to tell her.

  He finally managed. “Don’t know how to thank you.”

  “Say yes,” Ashley pulled up more data. "Here's the interesting part. I actually need to go to Null Strand anyway for a client job. I wouldn’t mind being your overseer when you hunt it.”

  Cole was studying the data intently. "This is incredible. Lia was just telling me about a mercenary contract in the same region. Needing to extract some equipment from Obsidian Dynamics."

  Ashley forced a smile. “Group trip just the three of us sounds great.”

  “Five of us. Lucius and Senna would be joining. You will finally get to meet all of them. They’re a bit rambunctious, but good people. When would we leave?”

  "Day after tomorrow, ideally. Give us time to repair our gear and finish healing." Ashley gestured at her leg. "This needs proper calibration, and your arm needs work."

  The kettle whistled. Ashley watched him work, noting the care he took with something so simple.

  "Your mother taught you well," she said.

  "She taught me everything that mattered." He poured two cups, the liquid a perfect pale green. "She would have liked you."

  "Why's that?"

  "You don't apologize for who you are. She respected that."

  They stood at her kitchen island, sipping tea. He was close enough that she could smell the ozone scent that always clung to Lucents, mixed with something uniquely him. She forced herself to focus on her drink.

  "Thank you," Cole said suddenly.

  "For?"

  "Having my back tonight. You could have run when things got bad. You didn't."

  "Neither did you."

  "That's different. I'm—"

  "What? Obligated to be stupidly heroic?" Ashley set down her cup. "You're not the only one with reasons to fight, Cole."

  "What are your reasons?"

  Ashley was quiet for a long moment. "That's a conversation for another night. And significantly more alcohol."

  Cole accepted the deflection gracefully. "I should go. Need to update Lia with all this info."

  Something twisted in Ashley's chest at the mention of Lia, but she kept her expression neutral. "Of course. Thanks for the tea. It was... unexpected."

  "Good unexpected or bad?"

  "Jury's still out."

  Cole laughed, heading for the door. "Let me know what they decide. And Ashley? Appreciate the information about the rift beast. Though just remember you owe me a new Ryzen. Top of the line."

  "Already ordered. Should be here tomorrow."

  After he left, Ashley stood alone in her apartment, the taste of green tea still on her lips. She'd been so sure he'd understand her invitation, had even dressed for it. But of course Cole had taken it literally. He was honorable, straightforward, everything she wasn't.

  Her neuro-link rang. The caller ID made her stomach clench: Archbishop Turney.

  She answered. "Your Eminence."

  "Ashley." The Archbishop's voice was cultured, smooth, with an undertone of steel. "I trust the mission was successful?"

  "The data chip has been secured. Both hostile Domains were eliminated."

  "So I heard. The entire industrial district is talking about it. You can’t imagine how many strings I had to pull to hold off Rune Control. Were there any... anomalies during the fight? Anything unusual about Mr. Walker's abilities?"

  Ashley knew what he was really asking. The Church had gotten their hands on Silas's report about Cole, it had noted nothing special about him but they couldn’t shake the coincidence.

  "Nothing beyond what was in the preliminary reports. He's skilled, but within expected parameters. He's not a threat to the Church's interests."

  "That remains to be determined. Continue your observation. Get closer to him if possible."

  Ashley's hand tightened. "How much closer do you expect me to get? I'm already—"

  "I'm aware of your methods, Ashley. The flirtation, the careful positioning. It's been noted. Though some in the council question whether your... personal investment is affecting your judgment."

  "My personal investment?"

  "Mr. Walker bears a striking resemblance to Blake, does he not? Your former partner?"

  Ashley's blood turned cold. "That has nothing to do with—"

  "I certainly hope not. It would be unfortunate if emotional compromise required us to reassign this mission."

  "That won't be necessary."

  "Good. Now, about the data on the chip." The Archbishop's voice carried a weight that made Ashley tense. "It contains documentation of our... arrangements with various corporations. Off-the-books funding, shared intelligence, technology exchanges that violate both corporate law and Church doctrine."

  Ashley processed this. "The Church has been selling out to the corps?"

  "The Church has been surviving. But if this information became public, it would destroy us. The faithful would lose trust. Our enemies would have ammunition. And the chip contains a list of informants within the Church itself. People who've been leaking our secrets to the highest bidder."

  "Traitors?"

  "Pragmatists, they'd call themselves. But yes. The data identifies seventeen high-ranking members who've been compromising our operations. We need that information to clean house."

  Ashley pressed further. "And? You promised it would also help lead to Bridge”

  "Yes I am aware of our deal. It also has the coordinates to the facility Bridge is being held at in Void City."

  Ashley's breath caught. Bridge, her friend from before, the one who'd been taken for the forced Domain experiments. "When do we move?"

  "We don't. Wilson and Christian will handle the retrieval."

  "What?" Ashley's voice rose before she caught herself. "She's my friend. I should be—"

  "You should be exactly where you are," the Archbishop interrupted. "Monitoring Cole Walker. Getting as close to him as possible. Those are your orders."

  "Speaking of my mission. Wilson and Christian?" Ashley's voice rose. "Those two morons who nearly blew my cover earlier this week? The ones who had their follower scan us in public? Even after I reported finding nothing when I scanned him myself."

  "They've been briefed on proper protocol."

  "They approached us with all the subtlety of a brick through a window! Christian with his golden visor and Wilson with that ridiculous weeping mask? They weren't subtle."

  "The scanning was necessary. We had to verify your reports about Mr. Walker and ensure you hadn't been... compromised."

  "Compromised? You thought I'd been turned?"

  "You're developing feelings for him. Don't deny it, our observers have noted the signs. The way you look at him, the risks you take to protect him. It's affecting your objectivity."

  Ashley was silent for a long moment, fury and something else. Guilt? Burning in her chest.

  "My feelings, whatever they are, don't affect my ability to complete the mission," she said finally.

  "See that they don't. Your orders remain unchanged: maintain surveillance on Cole Walker. Document any anomalies in his Domain advancement. And if he becomes a threat to the Church's interests..."

  "I know my duty."

  "Do you? Because from where I sit, it looks like you're one romantic gesture away from forgetting which side you're on."

  "He brought me tea," Ashley said flatly. "When I invited him up for 'tea.' He's dating someone else and didn't even recognize the invitation for what it was. So you can stop worrying about my romantic compromises."

  There was a pause. Then, unexpectedly, Turney chuckled. "He actually brought tea? How delightfully oblivious."

  "It's not funny."

  "It's a little funny. But Ashley, this actually works in our favor. His trust in you is clearly absolute if he's that comfortable. Use it."

  "To what end? What is the Church really after here?"

  "Let us be concerned with that."

  "I need to know. If you want me to manipulate someone I—" She caught herself. "Someone I'm working closely with, I need to understand why beyond the fact his advancement coincided with the Lucent Deity containment lighting up."

  "Things are changing and evolving. We need to be as prepared as possible and chase every lead. And if he is special, we need to understand what he is before others do."

  "Others like who? Those special someones who will soon be coming that Sarah mentioned?"

  There was a sharp silence. "What did she say exactly?"

  "Just that they’re coming and we're not ready. She died before she could elaborate."

  The silence stretched longer this time. When Turney spoke again, his voice carried an edge Ashley had never heard before. "You're certain that's what she said?"

  "Yes. Why? Who are they? What else is on that data shard you’re not telling me about?"

  "That’s need to know information. For now increase your surveillance of Walker. Any changes in his abilities, any sudden advancements, any contact with unknown parties. I want to know immediately. And Ashley? About Bridge. I know she was your friend. But with the forced Domain advancement she went through, she may not be the person you remember."

  "All the more reason I should be on the retrieval team."

  "All the more reason you shouldn't be. Emotional compromise, remember? Focus on Walker. Let Wilson and Christian handle Bridge."

  The call ended, leaving Ashley alone with her thoughts. She thought of her friend and Sarah's dying words suggested something far more dangerous was coming. And the Archbishop's reaction when she mentioned it, that moment of fear in his voice, told her that whatever was approaching, even the Church wasn't prepared for it.

  She moved to her window, looking out at the city below. Somewhere out there, Cole was probably with Lia, telling her about the fight, about the rift beast, about their upcoming mission. Being honest, straightforward, all the things Ashley couldn't be.

  She'd been recruited by the Church years ago, after Blake died. They'd offered her purpose, power, a way to channel her grief into something productive. But lately, the missions felt less like service and more like manipulation.

  She picked up his cup, noting the faint warmth still clinging to the ceramic. Cole wasn't Blake. She knew that. Blake was dead, had been dead for years. But sometimes, when the light caught Cole's face just right, when he smiled a certain way, when he moved through reflections with that casual grace.

  No. That was dangerous thinking. Cole was a mission, a mystery to be solved. The fact that he was also brave, funny, and genuinely good at what he did. That was irrelevant.

  The fact that when he'd shown up at her door with actual tea, her heart had done something complicated and painful. Completely irrelevant.

  Ashley moved to her hidden safe, pulling out a secured datapad. On it were her real reports to the Church, the ones that contained everything she'd observed about Cole. His abilities, his connections, his patterns. But also the things she'd noticed that weren't relevant to the mission: the way he always checked on his teammates after a fight, the gallows humor that masked genuine care, the determination that bordered on self-destructive.

  She started typing her report, then stopped. Deleted everything. Started again.

  Subject continues to display standard Sequence Six abilities. No anomalies detected. Relationship building proceeding as planned. Will accompany subject on hunting expedition.

  It was mostly true. The best lies always were.

  Outside her window, Forge City glittered with its false promises and real dangers. Somewhere Wilson and Christian were preparing to retrieve Bridge, her friend who'd been turned into an experiment. And somewhere, in a place she couldn't name, something was coming back. Something that made a dying Sequence Five use her last breath to warn them.

  Ashley poured herself a drink. Soon she'd have to face Cole again, pretend everything was normal, continue the surveillance. Continue the flirtation that was supposed to be fake but increasingly wasn't. Continue lying to everyone, including herself.

  But tonight, she could sit in her expensive apartment, in her dress that he hadn't even really noticed, and wonder what would have happened if she'd met Cole before the Church claimed her. Before she became someone who invited people up with ulterior motives.

  Her neural implant buzzed with a message from Cole: Looking forward to the hunt. Lia's excited too, says it will be nice to finally meet you.

  Ashley smiled bitterly and sent a message back: Should be fun. Try not to die before then.

  Same to you, came the immediate response, followed by a laughing emoji.

  She closed the conversation and walked to her bedroom, already dreading tomorrow. The dress came off, carefully hung in the closet. The necklace went back in its box, her mother's memory locked away again.

  In the darkness, she could almost pretend she was just Ashley—not a Church spy, not someone carrying orders to seduce information out of a target, not someone whose friend was being rescued by others because she was too valuable as an asset to risk.

  The cosmic joke of it should have been funny. Instead, it just made her feel hollow, like she'd lost something she'd never actually had.

  Ashley closed her eyes and tried to sleep, but all she could see was rainbow shockwaves, the light of two Lucents creating something beautiful and terrible together. And beneath it all, Sarah's dying words echoing: They’re coming.

  Whatever was coming, whatever the Church suspected about Cole, whatever truth lay encrypted in that data shard, none of it changed the fundamental problem.

  She was falling for someone she was supposed to be betraying. And in Forge City, that kind of contradiction only ended one way.

  Badly.