<strong>[Dave:</strong> Holy fucking hell! The Averys really did call Aviation for an emergency priority air passage — not just for one military chopper either. They had multiple choppers ready. I’m hearing they deployed around a hundred elitebatants.]


    <strong>[Dave: </strong>If that’s true, they were definitely expecting a major gunfight. And if Hera went with them... she had to know exactly what she was walking into.]


    <strong>[Luke:</strong> If Leo was hit by explosives and gunshots, then we can only assume he was either targeted by a powerful family with a private army, or by a mafia or syndicate group. But for what reason?]


    <strong>[Dave:</strong> We can probably rule out the private armies from the other families. Even though not many families — apart from the Averys — openly disy their growing power outside the government’s control, my people and I have been keeping an eye on them.]


    <strong>[Dave:</strong> Aside from the Avery family, no other families in this city or the neighboring areas have deployed their forces recently.]


    <strong>[Dave:</strong> That leaves us with syndicates or mafia factions as the most likely suspects.]


    <strong>[Xavier:</strong> What could Leo have been doing to catch the attention of people that dangerous?]


    <strong>[Zhane:</strong> No idea. We can’t ask Leo or his people right now — they’re all still unconscious. Hera’s resting too, but I’m not sure if she knows anything either.]


    <strong>[Rafael:</strong> Speaking of Hera... I don’t think Cindy would move the Avery’s private army for just a favor or simple friendship.]


    <strong>[Rafael:</strong> That army is a sensitive topic — even minor movements could cause major political waves. The Avery family is always extremely cautious; they only deploy their forces for national support or rescue missions during natural disasters.]


    <strong>[Xavier:</strong> That makes sense. But if Hera’s keeping something from us, we should respect that.We’ve all spent enough time around her to know her character — if she’s hiding something, she must have a very important reason.]


    <strong>[Xavier:</strong> Let’s be patient for now and focus on finding ways to support her.]


    <strong>[Zhane:</strong> Exactly. And we need to find a way to protect both her and ourselves.If any of us end up in danger again, I’m afraid Hera might risk her life like this once more.If this keeps happening, she could get seriously hurt, and we can’t let that happen.]


    <strong>[Luke:</strong> Agreed.]


    <strong>[Xavier:</strong> Agreed.]


    <strong>[Dave:</strong> Agreed.]


    <strong>[Rafael:</strong> Agreed.]


    <strong>[Luke:</strong> No matter who the enemy is, we need to stay extremely cautious — especially you, Dave.]


    <strong>[Luke:</strong> You’ve probably got the biggest target on your back right now. Don’t go dropping dead on us.]


    <strong>[Dave:</strong> You motherfucker... Are you trying to warn me, or are you just trying to jinx me?!]


    <strong>[Luke:</strong> ˉ_(ツ)_/ˉ]


    After ending their conversation, Zhane nced down at Hera, his gaze softening. He gentlyid beside her, pulling her closer.


    Her brow was furrowed, even in sleep, and the faint whimpers that escaped her lips told him she was still troubled, even in her dreams.


    It pained him to hear her like this, so he wrapped his arms around her, offering whateverfort he could. Without realizing it, the warmth of her presence lulled him to sleep as well, his arms still holding her close.


    When Hera awoke two hourster, the first thing she saw was Zhane’s tired face. Dark circles under his eyes made his usually handsome features look pale, a clear sign of how much work he’d been putting in.


    She reached out, her fingers gently brushing his face. Just as her fingertips touched his skin, Zhane’s hand shot out, catching her wrist. His eyes fluttered open, and as their gazes met, he guided her palm to rest against his cheek, savoring the warmth of her touch.


    Then, without breaking eye contact, he pulled her hand toward his lips, cing a soft kiss on her palm.


    There was something in his eyes—an ocean of emotions that made Hera swallow hard. She knew he was worried about her, his gaze full of unspoken words. He probably wanted to scold her for diving headfirst into danger or to tell her how reckless her actions had been.


    But Hera could feel he was holding it in, understanding that she was already carrying the weight of Leo’s situation.


    Hera felt a wave of warmth and gratitude wash over her. Even now, Zhane was still thinking of her. She smiled gently at him before nuzzling closer, burying her face into his sturdy chest.She could sense that Zhane had a thousand questions swirling in his mind.


    She knew if she were here, sleeping in his private lounge, he would have already seen her gear and probably wondered about it. But he was holding his tongue, respecting her choice to stay silent or share whatever was on her mind when she was ready.


    In that moment, Hera realized that now that Zhane was aware, and considering his close ties with his friends, it wasn’t hard to believe that the others might have figured it out as well. Since they likely suspected her identity, Hera knew they would respect her choice to stay silent until she was ready to open up.


    This unspoken understanding lifted a weight from her heart, and she felt an unexpected warmth settle within her, knowing that her decision to keep certain things private was being honored.