The rain poured over Manhattan that night.
From the rooftop of an old building, Ivy watched the entrance of a luxurious hotel across the street. Her mission was simple. Eliminate Dimitri Sokolov — a dangerous arms dealer who had recently arrived in the city. But something about the job felt strange. Too many guards. Too much movement. Too much… preparation.
Almost like someone else was hunting him too. Ivy adjusted her gloves and moved silently along the rooftop. Inside the hotel, Dimitri was having a private meeting in the penthouse.She just needed the right moment.
Then—A loud crash echoed from inside the building.
Gunshots.
Ivy's eyes narrowed. "That wasn't part of the plan." She quickly moved toward the penthouse balcony and slipped inside. The moment she entered—
She froze.
Because someone else was already there. Standing in the middle of the room… Gun in hand. Cold expression.
Alexander Morozov.
Across the room, Dimitri lay unconscious on the floor. Alexander turned slowly. His eyes landed on the masked figure standing in front of him.
"Well," he said calmly. "I was wondering when you'd show up." Ivy's grip tightened on her knife. "So you're the one causing the noise."
Alexander smirked.
"And you're the ghost who keeps running away." For a moment, they just stared at each other. Two predators. Same target. Same room. Same mission.
Then suddenly—
More gunshots echoed from the hallway. Both of them turned towards the door. Dozens of armed men rushed into the corridor. Alexander frowned.
"That's not my team."
Ivy muttered,
"Not mine either."
The realization hit both of them at the same time. This wasn't a coincidence.
It was a trap.
The door burst open. Armed men flooded the room. Without saying a word, Ivy and Alexander moved instantly. Alexander fired two quick shots. Two guards dropped. Ivy slipped through the chaos like a shadow, knocking another man down with a precise strike. They moved in perfect sync. Almost like they had trained together. After a brutal few minutes, the room fell silent again. Bodies scattered across the floor. Alexander lowered his gun.
"Well…"
He looked at Ivy.
"…this is awkward."
Ivy glanced at the unconscious Dimitri.
"You were after him."
"You were too."
Alexander sighed slightly.
"Looks like someone wanted both of us here."
Ivy understood immediately.
Someone had set this mission knowing both of them would show up. Someone powerful. Someone dangerous. Sirens echoed in the distance.
Police.
The trap was closing. Alexander grabbed Dimitri's collar.
"We don't have time for this."
Ivy crossed her arms.
"And what exactly are you suggesting?"
Alexander looked directly at her.
"For now…"
"…we work together."
Ivy scoffed.
"With you?"
"You prefer getting arrested?"
She didn't respond.
Alexander continued,
"Whoever set this trap wanted both of us dead."
He pointed at Dimitri.
"And he probably knows why."
Silence. Ivy hated the idea. Working with him meant risking her identity. But walking away meant losing the truth.
She stepped closer.
"Temporary alliance."
Alexander nodded.
"Temporary."
He extended his hand. Ivy stared at it for a second. Then shook it. But her grip was firm. Like a warning. Alexander smirked.
"You still planning to kick me again if I turn you around?"
Ivy's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Try it and find out."
Alexander chuckled.
For the first time since meeting her—
He looked genuinely amused.
"Alright then," he said.
"Partner."
Outside, the rain kept falling over Manhattan.
And somewhere in the shadows of the city…
Someone smiled.
Because the two most dangerous people in the underground world…
Had just been forced into the same game.