Dark Moon Rising

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Consequences

Argus's Point of View

I knocked on Lucius's office door and was met with a gruff welcome to enter. Gathering my courage, I squared my shoulders and composed my expression to exude confidence and nonchalance for this encounter. I had a roster of five names to propose to my adoptive father to accompany me on the mission. I placed the hefty dossier and the list of names on the CEO's desk and settled into the chair opposite him. He perused it, studying each name attentively, and a gradual grin illuminated his face.

"Great selection, Argus. They will be valuable for our mission. It's evident that you invested much time and effort in your choices and went through the entire file," Lucius commended.

"Is there anything you'd like to ask me or share?" my adoptive father inquired, his gaze narrowing.

"I'm impressed that you were able to gather information that I didn't have. Seraphina's presence will not complicate things. I assume I am not supposed to bring her back. Will the focus remain on retrieving Luna Jo and your son?"

"Argus, I have always been proud of your loyalty. I am reassured that Seraphina joining the Dark Moon pack will not divert your focus. I don't need her to return to the compound. She and the rest of the pack members will be addressed when the second team I'm assembling enters. Ensure you go in, gather what's necessary, and swiftly return. I aim to have you and my son back promptly, supporting the Collective's important work," Lucius responded.

"Will there be any survivors?" I asked.

"None," Lucius responded, his tone hard and cold.

"Understood," I said and turned to leave.

"You will gather and brief your team within twelve hours. I anticipate receiving a thoroughly considered mission plan for approval in the next eight hours. This timeline allows for a comprehensive review of the aerial footage collected, the details outlined in the file regarding the Dark Moon pack's security system, and the protective magical barrier. I require information on the entry point, the strategy for acquiring and safeguarding the targets, and the location for extraction. Ensure you bring the correct individuals back to me, Argus. Once your team leaves, the Dark Moon pack will be destroyed," Lucius stated.

"How long do we have for this mission? I'll need time to locate Luna Jo and your son," I observed.

"A mission of this nature should be swift and precise, ensuring success without haste. The search and extraction must be completed within forty-eight hours. If you need extra time or support, inform me promptly. We will maintain constant communication throughout the operation. Unforeseen challenges, such as resistance, environmental conditions, or other factors, could cause delays. Given the formidable adversary, exercising caution and allowing for additional time may be necessary," Lucius replied.

"Forty-eight hours from the moment we arrive?" I confirmed.

"Correct. Get to work, Argus. I expect a comprehensive operation plan with entry and exit strategies, routes, and backup plans. Make sure you bring back my son and Luna Jo," Lucius cautioned. "Failure is not an option."

I maintained my composure as Lucius observed me closely, looking for any hint of hesitation or unease. Satisfied, I grasped and embraced his expectations, and he signaled for me to depart. Despite my racing heart filled with fear, I moved gracefully, placing one foot in front of the other evenly. Executing the infiltration, target location, and extraction plan convincingly was crucial. I prayed that Selene could ensure Luna Jo and Eyrx eliminated the mission's threatening operatives. If not, survival for all of us would be uncertain.

Three seasoned operatives, highly skilled in special missions and esteemed among the Collective's agents, were among the group. The other two team members arrived at the compound along with Seraphina and me. While not hybrids, these alpha heirs were adept at combat and strategic planning. Gifted by the Moon Goddess, they could have been formidable opponents of the Collective under different circumstances. However, having been captured as children, they were molded into tools serving the Collective's purposes. T

Elara and Taryn were familiar with me and held animosity towards me. I had fed on them multiple times. They had consented to it to avoid being sent on missions to obtain more children for experimentation at the compound. I was uncertain how they could trust me and not betray me during this mission. I was placing significant trust in the Moon Goddess in many aspects.

Crypta/Seraphina's Point of View

Adrian exclaimed, "Are you saying you're Seraphina Dusk, Crypta?" He looked at me in shock and disbelief.

"I am. Crypta Sanguine was a persona I created before joining the Byte Club. Seraphina Dusk is my real identity," I replied.

Adrian questioned with anger in his expression, "So, was everything just an act? Is the Crypta we know merely a facade?"

"It wasn't all fake. My friendship with you and Rogue has always been genuine. You two are my closest friends. Adrian, I had to conceal my real identity; there was no other option," I responded softly.

"What about...?" Adrian began, his handsome face showing fury, but stopped before finishing his question. I already knew what he was about to say, and it shattered my heart.

"Rogue, you have somewhere that you need to be. I trust you will share this new information with Damian, Alpha Felix, Luna Jo, and Beta Jacob," Selene asked.

Rogue looked at me sadly. She felt I had betrayed our friendship by not sharing this with her. I didn't say anything in response to the hurt look she gave me. What could I possibly say?

"Adrian, it's important that you listen to everything Seraphina has to say. The conversation won't be easy for either of you, but considering your choices, consequences are inevitable. Rest assured, there won't be any new baby Byte club members anytime soon," Selene assured.

Rogue, Adrian, and I were stunned as the Moon Goddess simply shrugged.

"Seraphina, I'll know if you aren't completely honest with Adrian. Remember that it would be better coming from you rather than me," Selene warned. "He deserves to know everything."