Chapter 18: Echoes of Deception

Cassandra left from the hotel entrance and entered the backseat of a car with black windows. As the door closed behind her, she exhaled deeply, letting the tension from the encounter with Chris melt away. The driver, a stern-looking man in his forties, turned his head slightly.

"Miss, where are we going?" he asked.

"To the airport, please," Cassandra replied, her voice steady.

Settling into the seat, she took out her phone and dialed a number. As the phone rang, a smile of relief spread across her face. The call connected after three rings.

"Did you find him?" a voice inquired from the other end.

"Yes," Cassandra confirmed. "And he has the Crystal. He was ready to use it against me. He didn't even recognize me."

"You can't blame him," the voice replied. "He was still a baby when you disappeared. Did you give him the tracking device?"

Cassandra nodded, even though the person couldn't see her. "Yes. He was not trusting me until I showed him the video of his sister. How is she?"

"She is safe. I won't let them harm her."

"Thank you," Cassandra said, genuine gratitude in her tone.

"Where are you going now?" the voice asked.

"Spain... I have a mission from the Organization to complete."

There was a pause, then a softer tone. "Cassie... Please take care of yourself. They need you."

Cassandra's expression softened. "Take care of yourself too... And keep Emma safe for me."

Ending the call, Cassandra looked out the window, watching the city lights blur past. She allowed herself a rare moment of reflection. The mission in Spain loomed ahead, but for now, the thought of Emma's safety brought her a sense of peace. She smiled to herself, knowing that despite the dangers, she was doing the right thing.

As the car navigated the streets towards the airport, Cassandra's thoughts drifted back to her earlier years. She had been deeply embedded within the Crystal Hunters, rising to the 7th rank due to her strategic mind and combat prowess. But the truths she uncovered about their real intentions and their cruel methods had made her rethink her allegiance.

Her driver broke her reverie. "We're here, Miss."

Cassandra stepped out of the car, her demeanor now professional and focused. She navigated through the busy terminal, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger.

Once on the plane, she settled into her seat, her mind already strategizing for her mission in Spain. Her objective was to gather intel on a new Crystal Hunter operation rumored to be starting there.

As the plane took off, Cassandra felt a pang of worry for Chris. He was strong and determined, but the enemies they were up against were formidable. She only hoped the tracking device would lead him to her when the time was right.

Several hours later, Cassandra arrived in Madrid. She quickly made her way to a safe house, a small, inconspicuous apartment in the heart of the city. The place was sparsely furnished, but it had everything she needed. She powered up her laptop and began decrypting a series of files sent to her by an informant within the Crystal Hunters.

Her heart raced as she read through the documents. The Crystal Hunters were planning something massive, and it involved more than just acquiring crystals. They were seeking an ancient relic rumored to amplify the crystals' powers exponentially. If they succeeded, their power would be unstoppable.

Cassandra knew she had to act quickly. She arranged a meeting with a contact who had more information about the relic. The rendezvous was set for midnight in a secluded part of the city.

---

To be continued