4 One second

An array of drinks and elegant music playing in the background with people sophisticatedly dressed clogged my throat.

I was erasing the memories it brought and putting my focus back on the limited time I had.

My parents brought me to social functions but didn't disclose their involvement in the mafia.

To say the least, this assignment was rubbing salt on the wound.

I wished my parents had told me the truth before it was too late—it being they were dead, and I had to find out what their real job was from Seven, the person whom I considered my mentor.

But I'm not questioning their love for me.

I know they do.

They did.

"Are you alright?"

The voice in my ears made me smirk. I twirled the red wine inside the champagne flute in my hand.

"I'm wearing my favorite black dress and would be slicing a few heads off later. I don't see a reason not to be alright."

Wizardo didn't chuckle. But I knew he was smiling.

"This was a sore subject for you, I know. I'm sorry."

I clicked my tongue, locking my gaze on the target for tonight's activity. I had to distract myself, or the flood of memories would weaken my resolve.

His black suit seemed perfect for the occasion.

Although I have to say, he would have been a great catch.

His hair was slicked back. The curve of his lips was enough to draw any woman's attention to it. Even a man would stop and stare at him. The guy was a head-turner.

I clicked my tongue for the second time.

"What a waste."

This time, I heard his mirth and then a click of his tongue in disapproval.

"Don't tell me," he paused, lowering his voice. "You have a thing for your target?"

I scoffed.

"I haven't forgotten the rules, Mister I-know-it-all."

"I didn't say anything, and I wouldn't."

"Jeez," I brought the drink to my nose with the intent of sniffing it and not drinking. I couldn't risk sabotaging this assignment by accidentally getting drunk.

"You're far worst than Seven."

A parade of the man's security detail followed behind the said target. Without an announcement on his forehead, it was obvious who was the boss and who had authority in this room.

Hence, all eyes would be on him.

I checked his security detail one by one. They had the same sizes and height. If I didn't know any better, I would suggest the man had hired five brothers and saved money by supporting one family alone.

That might even be the case for real.

"Damn," I murmured, biting on my lower lip. "I hate the idea of getting Sage tainted by their blood."

"I'll sweeten the deal, Amiel."

Surprised and confused, I momentarily looked away from the target and stared at the drink in my hand.

"What?"

"Finish it in ten minutes, no more, no less, and I'll show myself."

I pursed my lips and raised an apprehensive brow, feeling doubtful and at the same time excited.

"Tonight?" I had to ask.

There was a short pause before I heard Wizardo clearing his throat.

"Yes. But it would be best if you did not go beyond or were short on time. It should be exactly ten minutes."

I hummed, smirking.

"Deal."

Putting the drink I had toyed with for the last few minutes on the table, I removed myself from the corner and made my approach to the target.

His name was Alfonso Ediliza.

He was the kingpin of the mafia within the city. Anyone associated with him was promised safety, money, and a criminal pass.

The last part was what made his name appear on my target list.

"Once you make contact with him," the earpiece crackled. "Our countdown begins."

"Ready yourself, Stranger. I never lose. You should know that."

There was another chuckle from him.

"Likewise,"

I smirked.

"May the best gambler win."

Upon nearing Alfonso, I purposely tripped on the carpet, gasping as I almost fell face first if not for a firm hand catching my fall.

Alfonso was much more charming up close. His eyes looked at me, their depth almost reaching my soul.

"Oh, gosh," I put a hand over my mouth, struggling to steady myself on my feet while Alfonso smiled.

I lowered my head.

"I'm sorry," I stated, looking at his well-polished shoes.

A soft touch came in contact with my skin. Alfonso lifted my chin, making me look right into his eyes.

"A fancy young woman such as yourself should be more careful. But don't worry. Accidents happen all the time."

Extending a hand my way, Alfonso smiled, his lips curved in a knowing one. I shivered and was relieved that I no longer had to see him after tonight.

Lowering my head in a more respectful bow, I watched his feet walk away.

When I lifted my head, one of his security detail passed a small card onto my hands.

I almost threw the card but restrained myself.

Instead, I forced my lips to smile while Alfonso finally made it to the front, where a podium was set up for him to speak.

"Time is ticking, Amiel."

Wizardo announced.

"I know," I smiled, toying with the card in my hand. It was a business card.

I felt a little insulted.

But it was all part of the job.

A job.

Before the night ends, someone would be begging for his life.

I licked my lips in anticipation.

"Eight minutes and thirty seconds. What are you stalling for?"

I rolled my eyes.

"Lights, genius. You can't possibly expect me to finish this while everyone is staring at him, right?"

Wizardo clicked his tongue.

"An ounce of kindness and a simple 'please' would have been enough."

I snorted.

"The clock is ticking. Come on. Stop hurting my minutes."

He chuckled.

"In three…"

"2…"

"1…"

"Night vision on."

Without wasting time, while everyone frantically turned to their phones and switched their torches, I dove under the table closest to me and grabbed the duffel bag I had hidden earlier.

Pulling out the long sword inside, I smirked.

For safety measures, Alfonso was taken outside.

I followed.

An elevator dinged from one corner, catching my attention. Alfonso was heading in that direction, a hasty escape.

"Oh no, you don't."

In one fluid motion, I had taken down the guards behind him.

"Five minutes."

Bang!

The sound ricocheted against the wall, but the bullet made contact with nobody.

It was a warning shot supposedly aimed for me. However, the holder of the gun was skeptical to hit the target. His hands were trembling.

Alfonso Ediliza's well-polished shoes were covered by the blood gushing from his guards.

He tried to turn his head but I clicked my tongue.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

Trembling, he fell to his knees as he dropped the gun, clasping his hands as if to pray.

I would have wished Alfonso to see my face before I kill him, but it was better he didn't.

"Please," Alfonso sounded desperate. "Spare me. I'll give you anything."

I bit my lower lip and sighed, letting the tip of my sword rest on his shoulders.

"Or you'll order your dogs to find me and have me killed."

"I won't."

"Sorry," I whistled. "But you don't get to plead mercy."

Blood dripped from the tip of my sword while I watched his head rolling on the floor.

The elevator dinged, opening to the second set of security detail he must have called for.

It didn't take long before everyone else fell to the ground.

The dance with the blade always excites me.

Checking the time, I smirked and blew a hair out of my face.

Slowly, the lights returned. I was already inside the elevator by then.

A sprinkle of blood was visible on my front.

"So close," Wizardo perked up.

"It was ten minutes."

"And one second."

"Damn."