Chapter 42
Sophia.
The sun shone brightly over the city, illuminating the vibrant streets and casting a warm glow over the scene. Everywhere you looked, streets, alleys, squares, and parks were hidden beneath a canopy of greenery. Rows of linden trees, Arabic rubber trees, French plane trees, and Canadian poplars lined the roads, perfectly arranged.
Bright flowerbeds and well-kept lawns adorned every corner of the city. In front of every house, under windows, and both in front and behind homes, flowers and plants bloomed in abundance. The scent of flowers filled the air, carried from the many shops that sold a variety of blooms along the streets. The whole city felt like a blossoming garden, with white and light yellow houses adding to its elegant charm.
On one bustling street, construction was underway on houses, with shops offering a dazzling array of goods, and the streets were filled with laughter and the hum of people going about their day.
Among the four- or five-story yellow brick buildings, one stood out in the middle of the street. Outside a house on the top floor, a woman with ash-blonde hair and a black leather jacket unlocked the door. She casually tossed her motorcycle helmet onto the table by the entrance. As soon as she stepped inside, her eyes sharpened, instantly alert.
Her entire demeanor shifted. Her body tensed, slightly hunched forward as she swiftly pulled a Glock 17 from the small of her back. Holding the gun in both hands, she assumed a textbook combat stance, moving cautiously and quietly as she began to sweep through the house.
She checked her bedroom, the kitchen, and the bathroom—nothing out of the ordinary. Only the living room and balcony remained.
A fierce glint flickered across her sharp features. Pressing her body against the wall, she pulled out a compact makeup mirror, carefully extending it just enough to survey the living room without exposing herself. The room appeared empty—no one was there.
Still cautious, she sidestepped into the living room, angling herself perfectly to avoid any potential sniper fire from the balcony. She moved toward a locker with a coded lock, quickly punching in the numbers. From inside, she retrieved several pieces of equipment.