I lay on my bed, motionless, the weight of Jacob's death pressing down on my chest like a boulder. The guilt whispered over and over—It's your fault. His last smile haunted me, the way his hand had slipped from mine. I didn't cry that night. I couldn't.
Then came a knock.
I didn't need to guess who it was. My father's presence was unmistakable. I opened the door slowly, and there he stood, his face filled with a sorrow he rarely showed. Without a word, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around me.
"You can cry now, my child," he said softly.
For a second, I wondered—Was it written on my face this whole time? Then, just like that, the dam broke. I clung to him and cried until I couldn't breathe. He held me for what felt like a lifetime, until the ache faded into exhaustion. He tucked me into bed, sat beside me, and didn't leave until I drifted into a dreamless sleep.
Days passed, but Jacob's voice still echoed in my ears. Then one morning, Father came in again—this time with purpose in his step.
"My child," he said, taking my hand gently. "Will you do me a favor?"
I blinked. "What kind of favor?"
"There's someone who needs your help. One of my students… She has a mission. And she needs you."
The word mission was a trigger. My chest tightened. I pulled my hand away without meaning to.
"No, Father… I—"
"You can't live in fear forever," he interrupted softly. "You were meant for more than this. Hiding doesn't suit you."
His words struck something deep inside me. I hesitated, but… it was his request.
"…Fine," I said quietly.
The mission was in the snowy wilderness of Finland. A high-ranking government official had been captured by an elite villain group. Our objective: infiltrate, extract, and survive.
I packed lightly and boarded the next plane. There was no time to waste.
The one I'd be assisting was Yuki Samui—one of Earth's top five heroes, my father's prized student. Her mastery of cryokinesis made her a legend. She could freeze oceans, summon blizzards, and sculpt ice into anything she desired.
What she didn't know… was me.
In the public eye, I was a myth. A shadow. Every interview, every mission photo—carefully disguised. They all believed my father's heir was a boy. And that's how it needed to stay.
Elsewhere, at Yuki's base camp…
Yuki twirled a snowflake between her fingers. "I'm finally going to meet him. Master always kept him hidden. I've only seen him from afar."
Zeff scoffed. "Doesn't matter. I've seen the footage. Weak body. Looks like a deer in headlights."
"Zeff," Yuki warned. "Be respectful. He just lost someone—Jacob."
"Pfft. I still think he's useless."
Then the flap of the tent opened. A scout stepped in.
"The heir has arrived."
The group stepped outside just in time to see me walking up the snowy path.
"Who's this kid?" Zeff barked.
Without a word, I unsheathed my sword and held it steady—its tip inches from Zeff's throat.
Their eyes widened.
Only then did they realize who I was.
Inside the main tent, introductions began.
"I'm Yuki Samui," she said, smiling. "Your father's student. It's an honor."
"Zeff Hinger," he added. "Also trained by him."
As I opened my mouth to speak, Zeff cut in.
"Wait. Are you really the heir? The heir's a boy—on TV, he looks like he's going to collapse from a strong breeze. You're clearly a girl."
I stared him down, calm but razor-sharp. "And what's the problem with that?"
He blinked.
I continued, "Yes, I am that boy. That disguise was to protect my identity from villains. But if you no longer need my help, I can leave."
Yuki jumped in quickly. "Please ignore my friend. Can you introduce yourself, properly this time?"
I sighed. "Fine. I'm Lena Sato. Heir to my father's legacy. I can't reveal my powers… but I can help you finish this mission."
Yuki beamed and hugged me without hesitation.
Later, she showed me to my tent. Once I unpacked, we went over our plan: the enemy was holding the official in a heavily guarded facility in the mountains. My role was overwatch—posted on the highest peak to scout and track enemy movement.
For days, everything went smoothly. The team trusted my intel. We were finally making progress.
Then… it fell apart.
Screams tore through the cold air. I rushed to the scene—but there were no bodies, only blood. Silence hung heavy over the snow.
Then came the click of a gun behind me.
I turned to find Zeff, aiming straight at my head.
"You're a spy, aren't you? Where are they?!"
My fists clenched. "Is this really the time for accusations?"
His finger inched toward the trigger.
"Zeff, STOP!" Yuki yelled, pushing his arm down.
"We're calling a meeting," she said.
As they turned to leave, Zeff glared at me. "You stay here. I don't trust you."
I paused. Then nodded. "Fine. I'll stay."
Yuki offered a soft "Thank you" before disappearing with the others.
From the ridge, I saw movement—dozens of enemy troops advancing toward our base.
I ran back, breath catching in my throat. "They're coming—they're coming right now!"
But no one listened.
I saw it in their eyes—the doubt. They never trusted me. Not truly.
So I left.
I scribbled a short note and placed it in my tent.
"You don't trust me. That's fine. But I'm finishing this mission—with or without you."
I walked into the cold.
Alone.