The old docks were silent except for the distant lapping of water against rusted steel. Moonlight cast pale silver shadows over crates stamped with faded logos from forgotten shipping lines.
Selene moved cautiously along the cracked concrete, Calder close behind. The air smelled of salt and decay—a perfect place for secrets to fester.
A figure emerged from the shadows, slim and swift, wearing a dark hoodie that concealed most of their face.
"You're late," the voice whispered.
Selene narrowed her eyes. "Better late than dead."
The figure stepped closer, revealing a familiar glint in their eyes—Rafe, a former Harrow operative turned rogue.
"I have information you'll want," Rafe said, pulling out a battered tablet. "Harrow's internal fractures run deeper than you think. There's a faction within the organization that wants to dismantle the Orchid Program. They need your help."
Calder tensed. "And what's in it for you?"
Rafe smirked. "Survival. And maybe a little revenge."
Selene took the tablet and scanned the files. Names, locations, dates—a web of betrayals, cover-ups, and assassinations.
"Looks like the real enemy isn't just outside the walls," she said.
"Exactly," Rafe replied. "But time's running out. The faction suspects we're meeting. They're closing in."
A sudden noise from behind made them all freeze.
Marrow stepped into the moonlight, his cold eyes fixed on Selene.
"Looks like the game's just beginning," he said.