#2: Between Lines and Secrets

Lara entered the room like a shadow. Her tight-fitting black hood made her face almost disappear in the soft lights of the event. No one seemed to pay any attention to her, which was perfect for what she was about to do.

“Come on, just one more look at the system…” she said softly, touching a device attached to her wrist, which was flashing green lights.

Meanwhile, Dante was walking around the room. He always felt out of place at these events, but that night something was different. The presence of regular guests and important figures made him alert. There was a tension in the air that he couldn’t explain.

“What are you doing here again?” Rafael asked, tapping Dante on the shoulder.

“Just checking on people.” He laughed, trying to sound casual. “You never know when something suspicious might pop up.”

Rafael raised an eyebrow, but didn’t pay much attention. He turned to continue talking to other friends, while Dante followed his instincts.

Lara was already close to her target. The large table in the center of the room was surrounded by executives, politicians, and powerful people. The holographic screen floated above the table, showing sensitive information about Project Aurora, disguised as a simple progress report.

“This is it.” She approached with silent steps, activating the scanner on the device she was carrying.

Suddenly, Dante saw her from afar. Something about that hood, about her stealthy posture, caught his attention. He straightened up and started walking towards her, without knowing exactly why.

Lara was focused on extracting data, her eyes fixed on the holographic screen in front of her. The line of code flashed on her device. A few more seconds, and she would have everything she needed.

“Hey, what are you doing there?” a voice came from behind her.

She froze for a moment, before slowly turning around. It was Dante, and his gaze was not that of a common guest. He seemed suspicious, ready to act.

“Nothing special.” Just… admiring the technology,” Lara replied with a restrained smile, trying to hide it. She slid the device back onto her wrist.

“I know.” Dante narrowed his eyes. “And what's on your wrist?”

Lara knew he wasn't naive. Her heart raced, but she kept her cool.

“Just a fashion accessory. Modern stuff, you know?” she joked, trying to divert attention.

Dante took a step forward, closing the distance between them.

“That doesn't look like much of an accessory to me.”

For a brief moment, the two stood still, sizing each other up. Lara weighed her options. She could get out of there without getting caught, but something in the way Dante looked at her made her hesitate. He wasn't like the other guards or security guards she'd encountered before. There was curiosity in his eyes, not aggression.

“Okay,” she said finally, taking a deep breath. “I'm just here to get some information. Nothing that will hurt anyone.

Dante laughed, but without humor.

— Information? You know this isn’t a joke, right? If they catch you, it won’t just be a scolding. You might end up disappearing.

Lara shrugged, her expression hard.

— I know what I’m doing. And you, are you willing to stop it?

The silence stretched between them. Dante looked around, people were laughing, drinking, oblivious to what was happening in that dark corner. He knew he should stop her, it was his duty. But, somehow, he couldn’t. Something about Lara disarmed him, and he couldn’t explain why.

— I’ll give you five minutes to get out of here — he finally said. — After that, I can’t help you.

Lara was surprised, but she didn’t hesitate. She knew it was the only chance she would have.

— Thank you — she said sincerely. And then, in the blink of an eye, she disappeared into the shadows of the room.

Dante watched her disappear, his heart beating faster than he cared to admit. Something was changing, and he felt like this girl was the beginning of something much bigger than he could ever imagine.