The mission was already going sideways.

Adebayo was shouting directions into the comms. Economos was panicking. Peacemaker was loudly insisting he “totally had it under control.”

And Harcourt? She was moving through the abandoned factory like a ghost—fast, precise, deadly—but ignoring every single voice in her ear.

“Emilia, wait—!” Adebayo called.

“No response,” Economos muttered.

Peacemaker groaned. “She does this on purpose.”

You pressed your comm button. “Harcourt, hold position. I’m two corridors behind you.”

Instantly—instantly—her footsteps stopped.

A stunned silence fell over the team.

“…Did she just listen to you?” Adebayo whispered.

“Shut up,” Peacemaker hissed. “She never listens to anybody!”

Your cheeks warmed, but you focused. “Harcourt? Talk to me. What’s ahead?”

A moment of static. Then her voice, low and controlled: “Two hostiles. And a reinforced door. I can take them.”

“Not alone,” you said.

“…Fine.” Only for you.

Two Minutes Later — Inside the Factory

You caught up with her at the corner of a rusted hallway. She turned the second she sensed you—chin lifting, eyes scanning you quickly for injuries.

“You’re breathing fast,” she said quietly.

“So are you,” you replied.

She didn’t deny it.

Behind you, Peacemaker’s voice crackled through the comm: “Guys? What’s happening? She only paused when you said something—are you like, her handler or someth—”

Harcourt ripped the comm from her ear and switched to a private channel with a flick.

Only you heard her now.

“Give me the plan,” she said.

You blinked. “You’re waiting for me?”

“Yeah,” she muttered. “Just tell me what to do.”