Shadowed Threads

Chapter Thirty: Smoke Before Fire

Marinette was done waiting.

Gabriel Agreste had made his move.

Lila had tried to take her out.

And now?

Now it was Marinette's turn.

⸻

The Batcave buzzed with movement and strategy, each member of the Wayne family working to set up their next play.

Tim was monitoring encrypted comms, tracking Agreste's movements.

Dick was mapping out known hideouts tied to Agreste's remaining assets.

Damian was methodically sharpening his sword, looking entirely too eager to get involved.

Bruce stood at the Batcomputer, his face unreadable, but Marinette knew that meant he was already ten steps ahead.

And Jason?

Jason was watching her.

Like he was waiting for something.

Like he had more to say but wasn't saying it.

And that?

That was dangerous.

⸻

"So here's the play," Bruce said, bringing the team's focus to the glowing screen.

A blueprint of an abandoned skyscraper in Gotham's East End flickered into view.

Marinette recognized it immediately.

Wayne Enterprises had stopped development on it years ago, leaving it empty and forgotten.

A perfect place for illegal dealings and secret meetings.

A perfect place for a trap.

Tim nodded toward the screen. "We've traced one of Agreste's last transactions to this location. It's being used as a temporary base for his operations."

Dick folded his arms. "So, we're thinking recon?"

Bruce's gaze shifted to Marinette.

"That depends on her."

The room fell silent.

Marinette straightened.

Every eye was on her.

Jason raised an eyebrow, waiting.

She exhaled, staring at the map.

"No recon."

Dick blinked. "No?"

She shook her head.

"We go in hard and fast. We don't give them time to run."

Jason's grin was sharp.

"I love it when you talk like that."

Marinette rolled her eyes, but the corner of her lips twitched.

Bruce nodded. "Then let's move."

And just like that, the mission was set.

⸻

Twenty minutes later, Marinette was suiting up.

Her body still ached from Lila's attack, but she ignored it.

She had work to do.

Jason leaned against the locker beside her, arms crossed.

"You sure you're up for this?"