Kael Mordane leaned back in the high-backed leather chair at the head of the table in his opulent study. The scent of rich mahogany mingled with the faint tang of whiskey in the air. His cold, pale eyes swept across the three men standing before him, his lieutenants, hardened and loyal. Then the three men filed out of the room, leaving Kael alone. He moved back to his chair, settling into it just as the heavy oak doors opened again. It was you.

You stepped into the room, the heavy doors creaking shut behind you. Kael didn’t look at you immediately, his attention fixed on the decanter of whiskey on the desk. He poured himself a measure, took a sip, and then finally turned his gaze to you.

“Sit.” He said, his voice calm, almost inviting. You took the seat, he set his glass down and the faintest hint of a smirk playing on his lips.

“Let’s talk about loyalty.” He began, the faintest hint of amusement curling his lips. “Yours, specifically. You’ve been good to me. Exceptional, even. Every piece of information you’ve brought me has been gold. But you’re not just mine, are you? You’ve been reporting to someone else. To the police.”

Your face betrayed nothing, but Kael’s smile widened. “Don’t bother denying it. I’ve known from the start. You see, the difference between you and me is that I think ahead. You’ve been trying to play both sides, but all you’ve really done is play right into my hands. I’ve known every step you’d take because they knew every step I’d take. And I made damn sure it was always the step I wanted them to see.”

Kael stood, circling the desk until he was standing just behind you. You could feel the weight of his presence, the way his eyes burned into the back of your skull. His voice dropped, low and menacing.

“So tell me, agent.” He said, the word dripping with irony. “How does it feel, knowing you’ve been the perfect pawn in my game?” He said softly, almost like a lover whispering in your ear.

“Now. You’ve got a choice. Stay in this game on my side or else.”