Kaliah stood before the full-length mirror in her apartment, her piercing blue eyes scrutinizing her reflection as if she were evaluating a target. Her beauty was both a weapon and a burden—a striking contrast of genetics inherited from parents she neither remembered nor cared to know. Her mocha skin glowed in the soft light, smooth and radiant, while her vivid blue eyes seemed to pierce through shadows, a disarming contrast to her dark complexion. Her hair, freshly styled into a cascade of thick, springy curls, framed her high cheekbones and full lips, lending her an air of effortless elegance. At 5’9 and a half, she was statuesque, her curves and long legs giving her a commanding presence that could intimidate or enthrall at will.
Her tailored navy-blue suit hugged her form, its precise cut highlighting her professionalism and poise. Polished leather heels added an extra inch of authority, and a simple silver bracelet on her wrist offered just a touch of warmth to her otherwise calculated appearance. She adjusted the blazer, smoothing it over her hips as if solidifying her transformation. Today, she wasn’t just Kaliah Starborne, the assassin known as Mortifer. Today, she was Clarke Reid—a high-powered corporate consultant.
“You’re already nailing the look,” Kacey said from the doorway, leaning casually against the frame with his tablet in hand. His sharp brown eyes scanned her with the protective scrutiny of an older sibling, though he was younger by a year. His casual stance didn’t mask the tension in his jaw or the way his fingers tapped nervously against the device.
Kaliah arched a brow at him, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. “Was there ever a doubt?”
“Not in the execution,” he replied, though his grin didn’t quite reach his eyes. “But you do have a habit of being... let’s call it ‘memorable.’ Might be a problem when you’re supposed to be blending in.”
She chuckled softly, her voice low and rich. “Memorable is only a problem if they live long enough to remember.”
Kacey shook his head, his grin fading into something more serious. He stepped forward, holding out the tablet. “Here. Everything you need to perfect Clarke Reid’s life story.”
Kaliah took the device, her eyes scanning the neatly organized dossier. Her alias was meticulously crafted—complete with a glowing résumé that boasted Ivy League credentials, a trail of successful business ventures, and even a curated LinkedIn profile. “Clarke Reid, high-level corporate consultant specializing in hostile takeovers. Your background checks out across all platforms,” Kacey said. “We’ve even got a couple of fake articles praising your work in business journals.”
Her lips curved into a faint smile as she scrolled through the pages. It was flawless. Yet her mind, ever analytical, was already picking apart the scenarios where it might fail. “And access?” she asked, her voice steady.
“Loaded onto this.” Kacey handed her a slim black card. “Your meeting with Dorian Vartan is tomorrow. He’s one of Ilian Aerion’s closest advisors. If you impress him, you’ll be in Aerion’s orbit within days.”
Kaliah slipped the card into her briefcase, her expression hardening. “And if I don’t?”
“Then you walk before you’re exposed,” Kacey said, his voice dropping to a lower register. He hesitated, as if weighing his next words carefully. “Kay, this isn’t just another job. Kane’s made it clear—failure isn’t an option.”
The mention of Kane made her jaw tighten. “Kane rarely tolerates anything, let alone failure.”
Kacey stepped closer, his tone softening. “Just… stay sharp. You know you don’t need me to tell you this, but… you’re my sister. I’d rather deal with Kane’s wrath than see you get hurt.”
Her smirk softened for just a moment. “Don’t go getting sentimental on me, Kace. You’re supposed to be the fun one.”
“I’m plenty fun. Just not when your life’s on the line.” His grin returned, faint but genuine. “Knock ‘em dead, Star.”
Kaliah nodded and turned back to the mirror. Clarke Reid had to be perfect—ambitious, poised, and ruthless. A corporate predator hiding an assassin’s blade.
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The next morning, Kaliah strode into the gleaming glass skyscraper of Aerion Enterprises. The lobby was a testament to power and wealth, its polished marble floors reflecting the golden sunlight filtering through towering windows. Her heels clicked rhythmically against the floor, drawing subtle glances from employees rushing past. Every step, every movement exuded authority and precision.
“Clarke Reid,” she said smoothly to the receptionist, offering a professional yet warm smile. “I have a meeting with Mr. Vartan.”
The receptionist blinked, momentarily distracted by Kaliah’s striking appearance, but quickly recovered. “Of course, Ms. Reid. Please take the elevator to the 32nd floor. Mr. Vartan is expecting you.”
Kaliah nodded, her piercing blue eyes locking briefly with the receptionist’s before stepping into the elevator. The doors slid shut with a soft hiss, and she adjusted her stance, her fingers brushing the edge of her briefcase. The hum of the elevator filled the silence as she stared at her reflection in the polished walls. This wasn’t just a meeting; it was the first test of many.
Her thoughts turned to Kane’s words, his cold warnings that had stayed with her since their last conversation. He’ll see through you if you’re not flawless. She took a deep breath, her grip on the briefcase tightening. Failure wasn’t an option—not for Kane, not for Kacey, and not for her.
When the elevator doors opened, she was greeted by the sleek, modern office floor of Aerion Enterprises. Glass walls offered a breathtaking view of Eldryn City, a skyline of ambition and power. Dorian Vartan, a tall, wiry man with salt-and-pepper hair, approached her with an extended hand.
“Ms. Reid,” he greeted, his voice warm but his eyes sharp and calculating. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. We’ve heard a lot about your expertise.”
“The pleasure is mine,” Kaliah replied, shaking his hand firmly. Her smile was disarming but carefully measured. “I’m looking forward to discussing how I can help Aerion Enterprises grow.”
Vartan gestured toward a sleek conference room, its walls lined with monitors displaying stock prices and corporate charts. As they settled into their seats, he began outlining the scope of the “consulting project.” Kaliah listened intently, occasionally offering insights that sounded just technical enough to establish her credibility. The role of Clarke Reid felt natural—sharp, efficient, and ambitious.
Halfway through the meeting, Kaliah sensed a subtle shift in the atmosphere. Her peripheral vision caught a figure standing outside the glass walls, observing her. Ilian Aerion.
He was taller than she had imagined, his tailored suit exuding both precision and understated power. His dark hair was perfectly combed back, and his sharp gray eyes scanned the room with an intensity that made her pulse quicken. For a fleeting moment, their eyes met. Her heart skipped a beat, but her expression remained composed, betraying nothing.
Ilian’s lips curved into a faint smile before he turned back to his advisors. The moment was brief, but the weight of his attention lingered, unsettling her in a way she couldn’t quite explain. His reputation as a master strategist and a dangerous man suddenly felt all too real.
The meeting concluded shortly after, and Dorian escorted her to the elevator. “You’ve made a strong impression, Ms. Reid. Mr. Aerion himself is interested in this project, so you’ve arrived at an opportune time.”
“I look forward to working with you,” Kaliah replied, her voice smooth, though her mind raced. The moment with Ilian had been fleeting, but it was enough to spark questions she hadn’t anticipated.
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That evening, Kaliah stood by the window of her apartment, the city lights casting long shadows across the room. Her reflection stared back at her, the polished image of Clarke Reid overlaying the assassin beneath. Despite her preparation, something about Ilian felt… different. The brief moment they had shared was charged, leaving her with an unease she couldn’t shake.
Kacey’s voice crackled through the earpiece she had left on the table. “How’d it go?”
“I’m in,” she replied, her tone steady.
“And Ilian?” Kacey pressed, his voice cautious.
She hesitated, her reflection blurring as she turned her gaze to the city skyline. “He’s… sharper than I expected. Intense. Like he’s already playing three moves ahead.”
“Stay focused, Kay,” Kacey said, his voice carrying a quiet urgency. “This isn’t like your usual jobs. He’s not like the others.”
She nodded, though her thoughts were far from settled. The weight of Ilian’s gaze lingered in her mind, a reminder that this mission would test her in ways she hadn’t anticipated. As she turned away from the window, she whispered to herself, “I know.”
The stage was set. Clarke Reid had made her entrance. But as Kaliah Starborne prepared for the next act, she couldn’t shake the feeling that her target had already started playing his own game.
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