Chapter Text
June 29th, 8:45 AM
"Alright, let’s see here..." She flipped through my file, her sharp eyes scanning the pages with a practiced efficiency. The steady tick of the clock on the wall was the only sound in the otherwise quiet office. The scent of stale coffee lingered in the air, mixing with the sterile tang of printer paper.
"27 years old. You’ve been a hero for eight years, worked with two different companies... You started young, didn’t you?" Her tone was neutral, but the slight arch of her brow made it feel like an accusation rather than an observation.
"Yes, ma’am. I was 19," I replied, keeping my voice steady.
"Why so young? Shouldn’t you have been in college or something?"
Her question stung more than I cared to admit. I shifted in my chair, the stiff fabric of my uniform rustling as I did.
"I didn’t go to college," I explained, trying not to sound defensive. "I went to hero academy right after high school. It was the best path for me."
She finally looked up from the file, lips curling slightly in what could only be described as a smirk. "And they still let you in here?"
That did it. My stomach tightened, and the heat of irritation flared in my chest. I bit the inside of my cheek, forcing myself to stay composed.
"I know I didn’t go to college," I replied, voice firm but controlled, "but that doesn’t make me any less qualified than anyone else here. I’ve dedicated the last eight years of my life to this. I’ve trained. I’ve sacrificed. I know what I’m doing." My gaze didn’t waver from hers, daring her to question me further.
For a moment, the tension between us was thick enough to cut. Then, she leaned back in her chair, the leather creaking slightly as she folded her arms across her chest.
"Then prove it."
I blinked. "Excuse me?"
"You’re confident. I respect that," she continued, voice measured. "But confidence without results means nothing. So here’s your chance to back it up. Take on our newest case—no hand-holding, no backup. Show me you’re as good as you claim."
She reached into a desk drawer, retrieving a crisp manila folder. The way she slid it across the desk, slow and deliberate, made my pulse quicken.
"I can handle whatever you give me," I said without hesitation, meeting her gaze as I reached for the file.
"We’ll see."
I flipped the folder open, the first page demanding my full attention.
Immortal goddess.
Greece.
Long-term.
High profile.
My throat went dry. This wasn’t just any case—this was major. International-level. The kind of assignment they didn’t hand out lightly.
"So?" Her voice cut through my thoughts like a knife.
I blinked, realizing I’d been staring too long. "I—yes! Yes, I’m up for the assignment!"
Her lips quirked slightly, not quite a smile. "Good. I’m holding you to that." She closed the file with a soft thump and slid it fully into my hands. "Be back here tomorrow morning at 7:30 sharp. Not a minute late. Understood?"
"Yes, ma’am. I’ll be here at 7:30." My heart hammered against my ribs, the weight of the opportunity sinking in.
"And pack a bag for at least a few weeks," she added, already returning her attention to the monitor in front of her. "Get familiar with the case details tonight. Dismissed."
"Yes, ma’am." I stood, clutching the folder tightly as I exited the office.
The door clicked shut behind me, and I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. My pulse was still racing, adrenaline thrumming in my veins. This was it—my chance to prove myself.
No room for mistakes.