Amanda Waller had a reputation for keeping everyone on edge. Her glare could cut through steel, and her questions always carried hidden threats.

You felt it that day during the briefing. Waller’s eyes lingered on you a little too long, her voice dripping with suspicion.

“Can we really trust you on this mission?” she asked, her tone icy. “One wrong move, and it could cost us everything.”

The room went silent. All eyes were on you, and for a moment, panic tightened your chest. You opened your mouth to defend yourself, but words failed.

Then Emilia Harcourt shifted beside you.

Her stance was subtle but deliberate—body slightly in front of yours, her eyes never leaving Waller. “Yes, ma’am,” she said, calm but firm. “They’ve proven themselves in the field. Don’t doubt their loyalty.”

Waller’s eyebrow shot up. “Harcourt, this is my decision—”

“You asked for my assessment,” Emilia interrupted smoothly. “I’ve been in the field with them. They’ve never wavered. Not once. Not even under pressure.”

Waller stared for a moment, then nodded curtly, accepting the statement but still wary.

You exhaled quietly, relief flooding through you. “Thank you,” you whispered.

Emilia didn’t turn to look at you, didn’t smile. Her expression stayed professional, neutral—but the weight behind her words was clear. She had your back. And Waller had heard it.

Later, when you were alone, you finally said, “Harcourt… I don’t know how you did that, but… thanks. Really.”

She finally allowed a small, almost imperceptible smirk. “Don’t mention it. Just… make sure you keep earning it. That’s all.”