ShadowBorne

Chapter Seven

I followed Marcus down the long hallway, my boots echoing against the polished marble. The mansion was quiet, too quiet… as if it were waiting to see what we’d do next. Marcus walked ahead, calm, confident, every step measured. I kept my head low, shoulders relaxed. Outwardly, I looked like a man who obeyed but inside, I was alert, noting everything.

We reached the planning room. Maps were spread across the table, dotted with pins, scribbled notes, and routes. A single lamp cast stark light over the scene, highlighting every crease and fold. The air smelled faintly of coffee and dust. In the corners, the faint hum of the security system ticked quietly, like a heartbeat.

“Sit,” Marcus said, pointing at the chair opposite him and I sat without hesitation, dropping into the seat with quiet precision.

“Good. Now that everyone’s here, listen carefully. This has to be a clean job. We can't afford to make mistakes,” he said, scanning the room.

“Yes, sir,” the men chorused, voices low but firm.

Then his eyes landed on me. “And you,” he said, voice low but sharp, “you’re at the front. Eyes on everything. Lead the pace and guide the team. I am counting on you ”

I nodded, keeping my face neutral. “Understood.”

Marcus didn’t let it go. “Do you know why I’m putting you up front?”

I kept my voice steady. “Because you trust I can handle it.”

A small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at his lips. “Exactly. So remember to always be ahead. Got it?”

“Got it,” I said.

He picked up a pointer and got straight to business. “The plane takes off at 2230 and we will move in at 2210. Make use of the entry, execution and exit window. Stick to the plan and do not improvise unless necessary.”

He moved pins along the map, explaining every angle in detail. “Routes in and out, exits, contingencies,

security rotations and the likes.” 

The men nodded. 

“Does everyone know their role? Any questions?”

I raised my hand. “The external checkpoints. How tight are they? Are there any blind spots?”

Marcus’s gaze locked on mine. “Blind spots exist only if you move like a shadow which I know you can.”

I nodded. He went around the table, assigning roles. Zane would cover the rear, Nathan on comms and others drilled down to the last detail. 

I watched them silently taking note of  who shifted nervously when Marcus looked, who spoke too much, who tried to stay invisible and every small movement. 

Some men bent under Marcus and others thrived. And every glance and everything had a place in my mental map.

Then Marcus turned back to me and stared briefly. 

He paced slowly like he wanted to imprint the room with his presence. “We are to move in two nights. So check the equipment and do the routine tomorrow.  You hear me?”

“Yes, sir,” the room echoed, voices tight and respectful.

He leaned forward, fingers laced together. “You’re the key, Elias. Don’t let me down.”

“I won’t,” I said softly, hiding the smirk that curled inside. Obedience could be a weapon if you knew how to use it.

The men filed out, talking quietly about logistics but I hung around pretending to study the map, memorizing every pin, route, and exit. Every eye contact, every nervous twitch, every hesitation fed into my own calculations. Marcus’s voice cut through the silent room. 

“Elias?” I looked up. He walked toward me slowly like he owned every inch of the room. “You know I didn’t bring you back just to babysit. You’re here because you’re essential. Your head on this job could make the difference between success and disaster.”

“Haven't  we established that already?” I asked, keeping my tone neutral.

“I am just reminding you.” he said, leaning back in the chair again, fingers steepled. “Move in front, guide the team, make the calls. And remember… one slip, everyone pays.”

“I won’t slip,” I blurted. “And maybe if you would just let me do my job, I would be able to figure it out a little faster.”

He studied me, eyes sharp, looking for a flicker of doubt. Then finally, he nodded “You’re a practical man. Just remember that the plane leaves in two nights”

“Then leave. The earlier you leave, the earlier I continue my work.” 

As he left, I stayed behind for a moment, memorizing the positions on the map.  I needed to be able to remember the positions just in case I didn't have a chance to show the others a physical map.  Marcus thought he had my loyalty but I had something else entirely.

For now, I would play the role he expected. Survival first. Everything else later.

The map in my head was mine alone, and it would give me the edge when the time came.

Compliance could be worn like armor, but behind it, I was building a weapon.