Tangled secrets

"Power isn't about force. It's about knowing went to use it.... and when to hold back."

THE AFTERMATH OF THE TEST...

Velena set across from Ceil in his office, her posture calm, but her mind racing. The test was over. She had handled victor- but not in the way Ceil had expected. Instead of eliminating him, she had played the long game, using words and strategy rather than force.

Ceil was watching her with that same unreadable expression, fingers tapping lightly against the desk.

"Is he disappointed? or impressed?"

Finally, he spoke. "Interesting choice". His voice was casual,but Velena knew better than to trust that tone.

She met his gaze without hesitation. " I did what was necessary."

Ceil's lips called slightly. " And yet, you didn't take that direct route. Most people would have chosen the easy way."

Velena Leaned forward, voice firm. " The easy way is rarely the smartest."

For a moment, there was only silence. Then Ceil chuckled-a slow, knowing sound. "You continue to surprise me, velena. But now that you have proven your.... strategic mindset, it's time for something bigger."

Velena raised an eyebrow. "Bigger?"

Ceil reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a sleek black envelope, sliding it across the desk towards her.

She hesitated only for a second before picking it up. The moment she opened it, her expression hardened.

Inside qas a gold-embossed invitation.

"The Lunar Gala- An exclusive evening for the Elite."

Below it, in Neat handwriting, was a single line:

"Know your enemies before theyknow you."

She glanced up. "What's this?"

Ceil's smirk deepened. "A gathering of the most powerful figures in our world. Politicians, CEOs, underground players. Everyone who matters will be there."

Velena's grip on the invitation tightened slightly. She had heard of the Lunar Gala before. It wasn't just an event- it was a battlefield. Deals were made. Alliances where broken. And secrets? They didn't stay hidden for long.

"Your task is simple," Ceil continued, you are going to the Gala.... as my partner."

Velena blinked. "Excuse me?"

Ceil leaned back, watching her reaction closely. "You heard me."

She set the card down carefully, keeping her face meutral. "And what exactly am I supposed to do there?"

Ceil's smirk faded, replaced by something far more serious. "Observe. Gather information. Make connections. And most importantly..." his voice lowered, " Find oit who is trying to destroy me."

A GAME OF SHADOWS...

Velena processed his words carefully. If Ceil was being targeted, it meant someone was bold enough to challenge him.

"Do you have any leads?" She asked.

Ceil studied her for a long moment before responding. "Not enough. But the gala will change that."

Velena exhaled slowly. This was it- the next level of the game. And this time, the stakes were even higher.

And she stood up to leave, Ceil's voice stopped her at the door.

"Oh, and Velena?"

She turned slightly, raising an eyebrow.

Ceil's gaze darkened just a feaction, his smirk sharpening. "At the gala, trust no one."

Velena gave a slow, knowing nod before stepping out of the office.

The game had trult begun

And she wasn't planning on losing.