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I stand perfectly still, watching as Red makes her way across the dance floor toward me. Her movements are cautious, her eyes locked on mine, and I can feel the tension radiating from her even from this distance. She’s coming to me, drawn by the pull she can’t resist, and it’s all going exactly as I planned.

But just as she’s about to reach me, the beat drops, and the lights cut out, plunging the room into darkness. The sudden change sends a ripple of chaos through the crowd—screams of amusement, gasps of surprise—but I remain calm, my senses heightened in the pitch-black room. This is my moment.

I move quickly, slipping away from where I was standing, losing myself in the crowd as the confusion takes hold. It’s only a few seconds, but it’s enough. When the lights come back on, I’m no longer where she expected me to be.

I position myself beside the bar, watching as Red stands in the middle of the dance floor, disoriented and alone. The party continues around her, oblivious to her moment of panic, the music and the lights resuming as if nothing had happened. But I can see the way her chest rises and falls a little too quickly, the way her eyes dart around, searching for me, for the man who just slipped through her fingers.

I can’t help but laugh softly to myself, the sound almost drowned out by the music. She’s lost now, unsure of where to go, who to trust, and that’s exactly where I want her. The thrill of it sends a rush of excitement through me as I move deeper into the shadows, slipping through the crowd toward the back of the warehouse.

Before I can say a word, Vixen joins us, her presence almost as stealthy as mine. She slips off her black mask, revealing the familiar, stunning features that haven’t changed since the day I met her. There’s history between us, but tonight, she’s here as our partner and friend, a crucial part of the plan. A smile plays on her lips as she surveys the room.

“You boys about ready to go?” she asks, her tone light but laced with anticipation.

Raven nods, accepting Red’s clutch from Vixen’s outstretched hand. “I’ll go get the van,” he says, his voice steady, as if this is just another routine night for us. He glances at me, raising an eyebrow in question. “See you out back in five minutes?”

I give him a brief nod of confirmation, watching as he turns on his heel to leave. My attention shifts back to Vixen, who’s already a step ahead of us, as usual. “Help us?” I ask, knowing full well what her answer will be.

She laughs, the sound soft and familiar, nodding in agreement. “Of course. I’ll lead her to the back for you. Have fun.” She winks, a playful glint in her eye, and I can’t help but smirk in return.

Turning to Shadow, I see the same resolve reflected in his eyes. This is what we’ve been waiting for, what we’ve been planning for. “Let’s do this. Phase two,” I say, my voice low and filled with anticipation.

Shadow nods, his agreement simple but loaded with meaning. “Phase two.”

As Vixen slips away to find Red, I feel the tension in the room build, the excitement humming in the air like electricity. We’re on the brink now. The night is about to take a sharp turn, and every part of me is ready for it. This is the moment we’ve been waiting for, when the real game begins.