C12 The First Signs of Betrayal

The group burst into Chisom’s workshop, slamming the metal door shut behind them.

Everyone was exhausted. Bruised. Shaken.

Akin paced. “He knew my name. He knew everything about us. How? How did he know?”

Zara wiped blood from her cheek. “Someone is feeding them information.”

Aramide sat beside the desk, clutching the Tear. “But who?”

Chisom checked the scanners, his hands shaking slightly. “One of us? Impossible.”

Akin froze.

One of us.

The words sliced him open.

Chisom and Zara had saved his life. Aramide literally held a piece of the future in her hands. None of them felt like traitors.

But someone knew their movements.

Someone who had been close.

Akin clenched his fist. “We need to be careful.”

Zara’s eyes hardened. “Trust is a blade. Sharp on both ends.”

Aramide whispered, “And if we choose wrong… one cut can end us all.”

The room fell silent.

Outside, the night deepened, thick and watchful.

Inside, something invisible cracked between them.

Not hatred.

Not suspicion.

Something older.

The first whisper of betrayal.

Not yet visible.

But coming.