**Shadows Beneath the Silent Moon**
**Rising Echoes by Aiden R. Vale**
**Chapter 32**
Alessa maneuvered through the throng of partygoers, her heart racing with anticipation as she made her way toward the exclusive VIP section. The pulsating music and laughter enveloped her, creating a chaotic symphony that masked her intentions. The crowd was engrossed in their own worlds, providing her with the perfect cover.
As she reached the VIP floor, her gaze locked onto her target. He was deep in conversation with another man, but as Alessa drew nearer, both of them turned to acknowledge her presence.
“Alessa?” Bryan exclaimed, his voice tinged with surprise.
“Do you mind? I have work to do,” she replied tersely, her eyes unwaveringly focused on the man she had come for. The moment he recognized her, his expression shifted to one of sheer shock, his eyes widening as if he had seen a ghost.
“Shit,” he muttered under his breath, and in an instant, he was sprinting away, darting toward the nearest exit.
“Ugh, this is the part of the job that I hate,” Alessa groaned, frustration bubbling within her as she took off in pursuit.
Bryan, bewildered by the unfolding scene, felt an urgent need to understand what was happening. He rushed after them, curiosity propelling him forward.
Alessa quickened her pace, her heart pounding in her chest as she closed the distance. She could see him nearing the exit, desperation fueling her steps. With a swift motion, she lunged forward and tripped him, sending him sprawling to the floor.
He hit the ground hard, a groan of pain escaping his lips. Bryan arrived moments later, standing a few feet away, his eyes wide with confusion as he took in the chaotic scene.
The target scrambled to his feet, taking a few hesitant steps back, attempting to mask his fear. “I did it for a reason; I needed the money,” he stammered, his voice quivering.
“I don’t care about your reasons or your excuses. I was given a job, and it needs to be done,” Alessa shot back, her tone icy as she attempted to close the gap between them. But he reacted instinctively, pulling out a knife and brandishing it in her direction, his hand shaking violently.
“Alessa, be careful! What the hell is going on?” Bryan’s voice was laced with concern, his confusion deepening.
With an exasperated roll of her eyes, Alessa edged closer, dodging the wild swings of the knife as he tried to intimidate her. Bryan stood frozen, torn between the urge to intervene and an overwhelming curiosity about the unfolding drama. How did Alessa know this man? What was the nature of her mission?
Finally, Alessa seized the moment, lunging forward to grab his wrist. She delivered a swift punch to his face, catching Bryan off guard. He couldn’t help but feel a surge of amusement; he had never seen this side of Alessa before.
The target, now enraged, attempted to retaliate, but Alessa was quicker. She deftly pinned him against the wall, her strength surprising even herself. He struggled, trying to stab her, but she expertly twisted his wrist, directing the knife toward his neck.
His eyes widened in terror as he fought against her grip, but Alessa was resolute.
“Smert – luchsheye uregulirovaniye,” she murmured, her voice a chilling whisper before she plunged the knife into his neck.
She watched intently as he writhed in agony, the life draining from his eyes. The horror etched on his face was a sight she couldn’t tear her gaze away from. There was a dark satisfaction that welled up within her, a feeling she had never anticipated experiencing.
As he fell to the ground, blood gushing from the wound, Alessa released him, a sigh of relief escaping her lips. She turned to find Bryan’s eyes fixed on her, his expression a mix of shock and disbelief.
“Alessa,” he called, his voice barely above a whisper. She turned to him, noting the way his gaze had shifted; it was no longer just surprise but also concern, disappointment, and a hint of fear—fear for her.
“Good night, Mr. Hart,” she said coolly, making her way toward the exit. Bryan, still grappling with what he had just witnessed, followed her, his footsteps echoing in the tense silence that enveloped them.
Annoyed by his persistence, Alessa suddenly whipped around, pulling her gun from its holster. Bryan froze, his breath hitching as the weapon was aimed directly at him.
“Stop following me,” she commanded, her voice firm and unwavering. For a moment, he hesitated, a flicker of fear crossing his features.
This wasn’t the Alessa he had known years ago; the Alessa he remembered wouldn’t harm a fly.
Just as he attempted to move, Alessa squeezed the trigger, the shot ringing out as it struck the ground beside him. He flinched, his heart racing.
“Don’t dare me,” she warned, her eyes hardening.
With that, she turned her back on him, striding away and leaving him in a state of shock.
Alessa stepped outside the club and slid into her car, the cool leather seat a stark contrast to the chaos she had just left behind.


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