CHAPTER FORTY SIX - The Rhythm Of Broken Promises

Aria pressed her back against the cold concrete wall, counting the footsteps of the guard patrolling the hallway. The Shadow Crest outpost was larger than intelligence had suggested—a sprawling compound of interconnected buildings rather than the simple waystation she'd expected. She waited until the footsteps faded before slipping around the corner, staying low beneath the security cameras. Her heartbeat quickened as she approached an office with light spilling from beneath the door. "...shipment arrives tomorrow night," a gruff voice said from inside. "Victor wants it distributed immediately." "And Blackwood?" a second voice asked. "Still demanding more territory as payment. Says the information she's providing is worth twice what we're offering." Aria's breath caught. She? Who was feeding information to Shadow Crest? "Information's only valuable if it's accurate," the first voice grumbled. "These patrol schedules better match reality." "They will. Our source hasn't been wrong