The next morning.
Inside the personal residence of Titans' Secretary-General.
Morning light filtered through the white gauze curtains. The furnishings were simple yet elegant: a Victorian dressing table, a brass-framed full-length mirror, and a closed wardrobe against the wall. A crystal vase on the nearby low cabinet held several white roses.
Alpha lay on the bed, staring up at the ceiling.
The covers had slipped to her waist, exposing the straps of her pale blue nightdress. Her long hair lay scattered across the pillow, with a few strands clinging to her cheeks and neck. Faint red marks remained on her arms. Last night's "confirmation of loyalty" had left quite a few traces on her body.
Alpha stared at the ceiling for a long time.
-What happened yesterday... that Kalifa.
Alpha rolled over and buried her face in the pillow.
She remained silent for a while, then sat up in bed and swept her long hair behind her head.
-Forget it.
Alpha really had no other options.
She was not someone who dwelled on the past for long. As a CP8 agent, she had undergone brutal training since childhood and witnessed far too much deceit and betrayal.
-Work was work, whoever she worked for.
As an agent, her moral boundaries were flexible.
Alpha sighed softly, threw back the covers, and walked barefoot to the low cabinet. She picked up the Encrypted Den Den Mushi, dialed a number, and waited a few seconds.
"The gift has been delivered."
After sending that brief signal, she hung up and went to wash up.
...Some time later.
Just as Alpha finished tidying her quarters and prepared to leave, the Encrypted Den Den Mushi vibrated. She paused briefly, then answered.
"Alpha."
The Den Den Mushi opened its eyes. A distinct scar marked one eye, and a