Midnight Code

Laila weaved through the crowded market, heart pounding. She could hear the distant sound of gunfire behind her—Aziel’s distraction was working, but for how long?

She ducked into a narrow alleyway, pressing against the cold wall, trying to slow her breathing. The scent of grilled meat and spices clashed with the metallic tang of fear on her tongue.

Then she felt it.

A presence.

Slowly, she turned her head.

A man in a dark hoodie leaned casually against the opposite wall, hands in his pockets, watching her with a smirk.

"You’re fast," he said. "But not fast enough."

Laila’s stomach twisted.

She didn’t hesitate. She bolted.

But he was faster.

In a blink, he grabbed her wrist, yanking her back. She gasped, twisting to break free, but he was strong.

"Let go!" she hissed.

The man chuckled. "Relax. I’m just here to deliver a message."

Then he held up a phone.

Laila froze.

The screen lit up with a single name.

Khaled.

Her throat tightened.

The man pressed the screen. The call connected.

Then came the voice.

Smooth. Calculated. Deadly.

"Laila. It’s been a long time."

She clenched her fists. "Not long enough."

A chuckle. "You wound me. After everything I taught you?"

"Like how to survive? Yeah, thanks for that."

"Survive? I made you thrive."

Laila’s grip on the phone tightened. "Why are you after me?"

"Because you belong to me, Laila. You always have."

Her blood ran cold.

"Aziel thinks he can protect you. But we both know he won’t always be there."

Laila gritted her teeth. "Watch me."

Then she hung up.

Without warning, she slammed her elbow into the man’s ribs, twisted her wrist free, and ran.

---

Cornered

Aziel was fast. But the men chasing him were relentless.

He skidded into an abandoned parking lot, chest rising and falling rapidly.

A single car sat in the center.

Waiting.

Aziel’s instincts screamed at him.

Then the doors opened.

A man stepped out, wearing a crisp white thobe, his keffiyeh draped loosely over his shoulders. He moved slowly, deliberately.

Aziel’s fists clenched.

"Khaled."

The man smiled. "Ah, so you do know me."

Aziel’s jaw tightened. "What do you want with her?"

Khaled exhaled as if disappointed. "Aziel. You’re a smart man. But you don’t ask the right questions."

Aziel’s muscles coiled. "And what’s the right question?"

Khaled stepped closer. "Why did I let her go in the first place?"

Aziel didn’t flinch. "Because you knew she’d come back."

Khaled’s smile widened. "Exactly."

Aziel reached for his gun.

Khaled raised a hand. "I wouldn’t do that."

A soft click echoed.

Aziel stilled.

Behind him, a sniper had positioned himself on the rooftop.

Khaled tilted his head. "You walk away now, Aziel, and I let you live."

Aziel exhaled through his nose. "Not happening."

Khaled chuckled. "Then we’ll play a little longer."

Then, without another word, he turned and walked back to his car.

The sniper disappeared.

Aziel stood there, fists clenched.

This wasn’t over.

Not even close.

---

Reunited

Laila nearly crashed into Aziel at the safehouse.

He caught her shoulders, eyes scanning her face. "Are you okay?"

She nodded breathlessly. "He called me."

Aziel’s jaw tightened. "He was waiting for me."

Laila’s stomach churned. "We’re out of time, aren’t we?"

Aziel exhaled. "We were out of time the second you hacked his system."

A beat of silence passed between them.

Then Laila stepped back. "We have to hit him first."

Aziel raised a brow. "You have a plan?"

Laila smirked, eyes glinting with determination.

"I’m a hacker, Aziel. I always have a plan."