Rogue agents 1: The prima ballerina

Off for Venice

*Karolina*

The gentle hum of distant conversation drifts into the room, pulling me from the remnants of a dream I can't quite grasp. I'm still cocooned in the warmth of the duvet, the morning light filtering through the curtains casting a soft glow across the room. It's peaceful, a fleeting moment of serenity in the midst of chaos.

The door creaks open slightly, and I know it's Ryan before he even speaks. There's a certain presence he carries, a mix of calm and intensity that I find both reassuring and unsettling.

"Karolina," he calls softly, his voice a warm, low rumble. I turn my head to see him standing at the door, a hint of urgency in his eyes. " Sweetheart, our ride is here and we need to leave soon."

There's a part of me that wants to resist, to linger in this moment where everything feels simple and safe. But I nod, pulling myself from the bed and brushing off the sleepiness that clings to me.

As I splash some water in my face and try to look slightly presentable, I can't help but steal glances at Ryan. There's an unspoken tension between us, a magnetic pull that I can't quite define. It's thrilling and terrifying all at once, and I wonder if he feels it too.

Once I'm ready, we head downstairs together. The sound of laughter and animated chatter grows louder as we approach, and I find myself curious about the source.

In the main room, I see a young man with a wide, happy grin chatting animatedly with Holly and Sebastian. His energy is infectious, and I can't help but smile as I approach.

"Karolina, this is Tommy," Ryan introduces, his tone a mix of amusement and something else I can't quite put my finger on. “He is the… driver or something.”

“That would be something,” Tommy turns to me, his eyes lighting up. "Ah, so you're the ballerina everyone's been talking about," he says with a playful wink. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

I can't help but return his smile. "Likewise," I reply, charmed by his easy demeanor.

As the introductions continue, I catch a glimpse of Ryan out of the corner of my eye. He's watching Tommy with an expression that's hard to read, a mix of amusement and something akin to... jealousy?

"Don't worry," I whisper to Ryan, nudging him gently. "He's harmless."

Ryan leans in, his voice low enough for only me to hear. "If he tries anything, I might have to kill him," he mutters, though there's a teasing glint in his eyes. “Like when no one is looking.”

I laugh softly, shaking my head. "You're not fooling anyone," I say, and he makes a face. I am enjoying this playful side of him.

*****

We make our way outside, where the Duckling awaits. It's unlike anything I've ever seen, a sleek, futuristic vehicle that seems almost alive with its gentle hum and fluid design. My curiosity is piqued instantly.

Ryan leads me to a seat, and I watch as he deftly straps me in. There's something comforting about his careful attention, and I try to ignore the flutter in my chest as he leans close, double-checking the buckle.

"This is incredible," I say, my eyes wide as I take in the interior.

Tommy, who seems to have an endless reserve of energy, perks up at my comment. "Isn't it? I had a hand in building it," he says proudly, his enthusiasm contagious. "It's designed to handle any terrain… land, water, air. You name it."

I nod, genuinely impressed. "It sounds like a dream come true for adventurers."

Tommy grins. "Absolutely, and agents. It's been my baby for a while now."

As we settle in, the Duckling begins to vibrate gently, preparing for takeoff. The sensation is a bit disconcerting, and I instinctively reach for something to hold on to. My hand finds Ryan's, and I squeeze it tightly, seeking reassurance.

He responds with a soft squeeze of his own, leaning closer to whisper. "Did I ever tell you about the time I tried to cook dinner for my team and ended up setting off the fire alarm?"

I glance at him, amused and grateful for the distraction. "No, you didn't."

His eyes twinkle with humor as he launches into the story, describing the chaos that ensued and how his teammates never let him live it down. I find myself laughing, the tension easing as I focus on his tale rather than the unfamiliar sensation of the Duckling lifting off the ground.

Before I know it, we're airborne, the world below shrinking as we ascend into the sky. The view is breathtaking, the landscape unfurling like a living tapestry beneath us. I can't help but marvel at the beauty of it all.

"Where are we headed?" I ask, turning my attention to Sebastian, who sits across from us with a knowing smile.

"Venice," he replies, a note of determination in his voice. "We've got a lead there, and it's too important to ignore."

Venice. The name alone conjures images of winding canals and historic beauty. It is actually one of the few places I have never been, but always wanted to see. I can't help but wonder what awaits us in the city of water.