6: Maybe I have already met her?

{KELVIN]

"What did you say?" I demanded, my grip on the gun tightening.

"I... I just mentioned you look different from—" Her words were cut short as I aimed the gun at her head, catching her off guard.

"What the—?" Anger flared in her eyes. "What do you think you're doing?" she challenged, her gaze piercing.

Her eyes were captivating, and for a moment, I found myself lost in them. She snapped her fingers in front of me, breaking the trance. I swallowed hard. *What am I thinking? Especially at a time like this?*

"Who are you?" I refocused, reverting to my trained demeanor.

"What do you mean? I'm Agent Red. Didn't you hire me yourself?" she retorted.

My irritation mounted. With a sarcastic smile, I said, "You're not going to give me a straight answer, are you? This is your last chance. Tell me—who are you really? No, better yet—what are you? Where are you from?"

 Her eyes bore into mine, unyielding. "Then I'll repeat it, because it appears you've lost your mind," she retorted. "I am Agent Red—the one you hired from the agency. As for my personal information, I won't disclose it."

Her defiance hung in the air, a palpable challenge. My fingers tightened around her neck; the cold steel of my gun pressed against her skin. But she didn't flinch; there was no fear in her stance. Instead, her eyes blazed with an untamed spirit—a fire that refused to be extinguished.

She moved like a dancer, fluid and precise. In a heartbeat, she slipped out of my grasp, her own gun now aimed at my chest. But I'd danced this deadly waltz too many times. With a predator's grace, I pivoted, reclaiming control. Her back met my chest, my arm encircling her throat, my gun tracing the delicate curve of her temple.

Her breaths remained steady, her resolve unshaken. "You think this scares me?" she challenged; her voice unwavering.

I leaned in, my lips brushing her ear. "Fearless," I murmured. "Even with death whispering across your skin, you stand strong."

She was no ordinary adversary. She was a tempest, a force of nature—a puzzle I couldn't solve.

"You're good," I admitted, my breath mingling with hers. "But not good enough."

Her bitter laugh cut through the tension. "Did anyone ask for your opinion?" Her head tilted slightly; our faces dangerously close. Lost in her eyes, I forgot the danger. For a moment, eternity hung suspended.

Edward's voice shattered the spell, pulling me back from the precipice of chaos. Awareness snapped into place, and I shifted my gaze forward, the room's shadows closing in like a tightening noose.

"Ah, I'll go to the restroom," Edward announced, his timing absurdly inappropriate. Restroom? Seriously, at this moment? My eyes flickered to Agent Red, and her lips curved into a smile. Could she really find amusement in this life-or-death situation? This woman had guts, I'd give her that.

"Okay, free me," she said, her tone almost casual. "We can talk normally."

I eyed her suspiciously. "You'll give me my answers?"

"Yup," she replied, her eyes never leaving mine. I released my grip, allowing her to step away. She picked up her gun, moving toward me with a confidence that made my pulse race. Damn it. Why did this woman make me so nervous?

Her face came dangerously close to mine. "Alright," she murmured, her breath warm against my skin. "Tell me, what do you want to ask?"

I hesitated. It had been decades since anyone had caught me off guard like this. She smiled, and in that instant, I knew I was in trouble. Before I could form a coherent question, she loaded her gun and shot at my leg. Pain exploded, and I crumpled to the floor.

"You—" I began, anger boiling within me.

"Silly man," she interrupted, her voice mocking. "Haven't you heard the saying? 'Don't mess with an angry woman; she'll rearrange your life like a tornado.'"

I clenched my jaw, pain radiating from my leg. "Yes," I gritted out, "but did you know this one? 'Don't underestimate an angry man; he'll dismantle your plans faster than a DIY enthusiast with a power tool.'"

Her laughter was maddening. "For that, you'll need to stand up," she taunted.

I hated her now. "Where can you go from here?" I challenged.

"Don't underestimate me," she shot back, her eyes gleaming with purpose. But she didn't let me ponder her next move for long. With precision, she aimed her gun at the window and hurled it. The glass shattered, and she stood on the windowsill, looking back at me. Her wave was both mocking and final.

"See you soon," she whispered, "or perhaps...see you never."

And then she jumped, leaving me astonished and alone in the room, my leg bleeding, and my plans in tatters.

My leg finally started healing. I exhaled sharply, my frustration with my own body almost as intense as my anticipation for our next meeting

. "We will meet again soon, Agent Red," I muttered to myself, "and I am looking forward to it."

The door flew open, and Edward's bewildered face appeared. "What's going on?" he demanded, his eyes scanning the room. "Where did she go?"

"She ran off," I replied curtly.

"Ran? But with you here..." His voice trailed off as his gaze landed on my wounded leg. "No way, did she shoot you?"

I nodded, the bitterness evident in my gesture.

Edward erupted into laughter, the sound grating on my nerves. "So, who was she, by the way? Which realm?"

I shook my head. "No idea. She didn't say, and from her reaction, I don't think she knew herself."

"How is that possible?" he asked, incredulous.

I shrugged, my irritation growing. "No idea. And how could you go to the restroom in the middle of all this?"

He scoffed. "What, should I have just sat here and watched your little romance unfold?"

"Romance, my foot," I snapped. "I hate her."

"So, like me, was this the first time you were bested by a woman?" he probed, a smirk playing on his lips.

"No, it's the second time for me," I admitted reluctantly.

"Second time? Who was the first?" His curiosity was piqued.

"Katarina," I said simply.

"Ah, her," he mused. "Do you think she'll really be reborn?"

I shrugged noncommittally.

"Who knows... maybe I've already met her."