You kept your arms crossed, leaning back against the cold concrete wall, gaze fixed on the door. It had been years since you’d seen him—Ethan Ryker. The name itself was like a thorn buried deep in your memory, one you’d never quite managed to pull out.

The old scars of betrayal had faded with time, but the resentment still simmered beneath the surface. You couldn’t forget how he’d left, how he’d let you down in the one moment you’d needed him most. And now, of all people, he was the one you were expected to trust with your life?

The door swung open, and in he walked. Ethan looked almost the same as he had back then, though his face was harder now, etched with shadows you didn’t recognize. His dark eyes flickered over you briefly, but there was no smile, no acknowledgment of who you’d once been to each other.

“So you’re my partner for this?” He sounded almost amused, and it made your jaw clench.

“I’m here because this mission matters, not because I want to be,” you snapped back, unwilling to give him an inch.

He raised an eyebrow, the ghost of a smirk tugging at his lips. “Good to know some things never change.”

You bit back a retort, reminding yourself that this wasn’t the time to start another fight. If the rumors about what they were up against were true, you’d need every ounce of focus—and, unfortunately, you’d need him.

“We’ve got a lead on the artifact,” you said, forcing your voice into a professional tone. “It’s hidden in an underground complex, heavily guarded. It’ll take both of us to get in and out alive.”

Ethan nodded, his expression serious for once. “I’m in. But don’t expect me to watch your back if you’re going to get reckless.”

You glared at him, the reminder of old accusations making the wound feel. As you two got ready, you felt as if this was all a terrible mistake.