"Wilder. You're with me."
Professor Vale's voice echoed across the training arena like thunder.
I froze mid-step, hoping I misheard. But no—every student turned to stare as the coldest man on campus motioned for me.
Not Ryker. Not Lucian. Not Blaze.
Me.
I had been randomly assigned the role of Field Partner in our Simulation Assessment—and Vale had picked himself as my evaluator.
Great. From mafia heirs to hacker flirts to assassin prodigies... now I had to survive a mission with a man who might be watching me more closely than all three of them combined.
---
"I thought professors weren't allowed to take the field with students," I said flatly, strapping on my combat gloves.
"I make exceptions," Vale replied without looking at me. "Besides, the others are compromised."
"Compromised?"
He gave me a look.
"Too many eyes on you, Miss Spy."
Well then.
We loaded into a mock mission van—complete with camera feeds, hacking equipment, and a very realistic briefcase labeled: Bomb Simulation: DO NOT PANIC.
Of course we panicked.
---
The mission: infiltrate a fake underground vault, retrieve the planted "target," escape without detection.
Easy?
Not when your partner had the social skills of a blade and eyes like security cameras.
"You lead," Vale ordered. "Let's see what you're really made of."
I nodded and moved in.
---
Inside the simulation vault, everything screamed trap. Lasers, pressure plates, fake guards with tasers. And cameras. Everywhere.
I crouched low, tapped into the circuit.
"Cover me while I loop the feed."
"No," Vale said.
"What?!"
"You're not learning if I babysit you."
"Are you kidding me—?"
Then the fake guards came.
I ducked just in time, rolled across the floor, and sliced a wire mid-air.
Laser deactivated.
Feed looped.
Bomb case retrieved.
All while Vale watched like he was bored.
---
Back in the van, he finally spoke.
"Why are you here, Wilder?"
"What?"
"This school. You're not a criminal. Not really. You're trained, but not broken. Loyal, but not to anyone here."
I swallowed. "Are you profiling me?"
"Yes."
I scowled. "Stop."
He tilted his head. "I was recruited to watch students like you. Ghosts. Moles. Plants. Especially pretty ones with secrets."
"Excuse me—?"
"Don't flatter yourself. You just happen to look good while lying."
---
Silence followed.
I turned to the window, jaw tight.
But then his voice softened. Just a fraction.
"Don't trust Ryker. Or Lucian. Or Blaze."
I blinked. "You know?"
"I've seen this game played before."
"…And what about you?"
His eyes met mine. Cold. Calculated. And yet—almost too sad for someone like him.
"I'm not a player, Wilder. I'm the game master."
---
Back at the dorms, I collapsed on my bed.
My mind was spinning.
Lucian had been quiet lately—too quiet.
Ryker was clearly digging for truth.
Blaze? Still flirty, still watching.
And Vale?
He had just changed the stakes.
I wasn't just surviving anymore.
I was playing.
And the scariest part?
I was starting to enjoy it.
---
End of Chapter 20