Chapter 300

The countdown in the villa showed only seven days remaining.

Finn Wallace paced anxiously across the living room, his forehead breaking out in angry red blemishes. The rest of the team fidgeted, their eyes darting toward the windows.

"Lucy, aren’t you worried at all?" Finn asked for the umpteenth time.

Lucy White steeped her tea with deliberate calm, the fragrant steam curling in the air. "Why rush? What’s meant to come will come."

Xavier Boone accepted a cup, his fingers tracing the rim. "The clues are right in front of us. You just haven’t seen them yet."

Asher York raked a hand through his hair, sending a few strands floating to the floor. "But time isn’t on our side!"

A sharp beep cut through the tension—the walkie-talkie crackled to life.

Lieutenant Leo’s voice came through, urgent. "Captain White, emergency mission."

Lucy’s lips curved as she gave the team a knowing glance. "See? Right on schedule."

"Safe Haven needs an escort for Dr. Roland to collect a rare plant in the outskirts—rumored to be tied to the cure. Departure at dawn tomorrow. We’d like your team to join."

"No problem," Lucy answered smoothly.

The moment the transmission ended, silence swallowed the room.

Finn gaped. "You knew this was coming?"

"Lucky guess." She took a sip. "Every game needs an ending."

Xavier set his cup down with a crisp clink. "This mission is our final chance."

Night fell. The villa’s doorbell rang.

Xavier answered, unsurprised to find several squad leaders outside. "Here to team up?"

"Exactly," the lead captain nodded. "Strength in numbers."

Lucy rose from the couch, her skirt swaying gracefully. "Sorry, but we don’t need it."

The visitors froze. "Why? We can share intel—"

"Because," Lucy smiled, bright and razor-sharp, "real hunters don’t partner with their prey."