Chapter 56: Crossing Lines, Blurring Boundaries

The moment they were out of earshot, Kane leaned close to Cyrus.

"How the hell did you pull that off? The employment records, the HR call—all of it?"

Cyrus kept walking, his pace measured and unhurried despite the tension radiating from him.

"I have contingencies for everything, Kane. The moment I agreed to our arrangement, I had my team create a complete background for you."

Kane shook his head, impressed despite himself. "That’s... impressive."

"Bernard’s interest in your background is concerning. Someone tipped him off." Cyrus glanced sideways at him.

They reached the elevator, and Cyrus pressed the button for their floor.

"We need to change our approach," he continued once they were alone in the elevator.

"Bernard won’t sell privately, and we can’t wait for the auction."

Kane leaned against the mirrored wall. "So we’re stealing it."

"We’re retrieving it," Cyrus corrected.

The elevator doors opened onto their floor.

They entered their suite, and Kane couldn’t help but smirk as he loosened his tie.

"So much for ’we won’t be stealing anything,’" he said, mimicking Cyrus’s deeper voice.

"What happened to ’business is business’ and using your wealth and power?"

Cyrus removed his mask, placing it carefully on the side table.

"That was before your cover was compromised. Bernard knows your background now. He’ll be watching us closely."

Kane flopped onto the couch, kicking off his shoes. "Maybe it’s not as awful as you think. You covered for me pretty smoothly back there."

"It won’t hold up to deeper scrutiny."

Kane sat up straighter, an idea forming.

"What about Bob? He seems to like me. I could work that angle, get close enough to find out where Bernard keeps the chalice."

"Trusting any Holloway is unwise." Cyrus’s eyes flashed with crimson.

"Bob is different," Kane insisted, leaning forward. "You saw him tonight. He hates what his father does."

"And you believe that after one conversation and a dance?" Cyrus’s voice had a dangerous edge.

"The son of Bernard Holloway, suddenly confiding in a stranger?"

Kane stood up, crossing his arms. "Maybe he’s looking for someone who actually listens to him."

"Or perhaps he’s playing you," Cyrus countered, stepping closer. "Using your obvious attraction to gain information."

"My obvious—" Kane sputtered. "That’s not what this is about!"

"If anything, I’m the one using Bob," Kane snapped.

"You think I don’t know what I’m doing? I got him talking about the auction, the collection, and even his father’s habit of keeping items in international waters to avoid jurisdiction."

Cyrus raised an eyebrow, his expression cooling.

"And I deduced it all without needing to flirt with the enemy’s son. Bernard’s been running his operation this way for years." He removed his jacket.

"But by all means, continue your... investigative technique."

Kane paced across the suite, frustration radiating from every movement.

"I understand your concern, but I’m sick of you underestimating me. I’m a fully trained, undercover BSA agent. This isn’t my first rodeo." He jabbed a finger toward his chest.

"I’ve been working cases since before we got stuck together."

Cyrus’s expression remained impassive, but something flickered in his eyes.

"I know the risks," Kane insisted.

"Bob is our best lead. He knows where the chalice is kept, and he clearly has mixed feelings about his father’s collection. I can work with that."

Cyrus said nothing as he moved to the bar; the amber liquid caught the light as he poured it into a crystal glass.

"And how far exactly are you willing to go with young Mr. Holloway to get what you want?" Cyrus asked, his voice deceptively casual.

He didn’t look at Kane as he spoke, instead studying the drink in his hand.

Kane froze, the question hanging between them like a physical presence.

"What are you implying?" Kane’s tail flicked behind him, betraying his agitation.

"I’m not implying anything." Cyrus finally turned, leaning against the bar. "I’m asking a direct question about your operational boundaries."

"I’ll do whatever it takes to complete the mission," Kane said, lifting his chin.

"Are there lines you won’t cross?" Cyrus interrupted, taking a slow sip of his drink. His eyes never left Kane’s face.

"Of course there are," Kane replied, voice quieter now.

Cyrus gave out a rare laugh, the sound both melodic and unsettling in its unexpectedness.

He set his glass down and moved toward Kane with deliberate steps, backing him toward the wall.

Kane’s ears flattened slightly as he found himself retreating until his back pressed against the cool surface.

"What are you doing?" Kane asked, his voice catching slightly as Cyrus invaded his personal space.

The dragon’s eyes gleamed with bright crimson as he placed one hand on the wall beside Kane’s head, leaning in until their faces were mere inches apart.

Kane could smell the faint trace of amber liquor on Cyrus’s breath and could feel the heat radiating from the dragon’s body.

"Testing your boundaries," Cyrus murmured, his voice a low rumble that Kane could almost feel in his chest.

"You claim to know the risks, to understand what you’re doing with young Holloway. But I wonder if you truly understand the game you’re playing."

Cyrus leaned closer, his breath warm against Kane’s face. Kane’s heart pounded, his back pressed firmly against the wall as he braced for what seemed inevitable.

He closed his eyes, a mixture of fear and something else entirely flooding his system.

Instead, Cyrus’s hand moved with blinding speed, pressing against a precise point at the base of Kane’s neck.

A sharp pain flared briefly before darkness rushed in from all sides.

"Wha—" Kane managed before his knees buckled.

Cyrus caught him effortlessly as he slumped forward, unconscious.

The dragon scooped Kane into his arms, carrying him with surprising gentleness through the suite to the bedroom.

He laid Kane on the bed, arranging his limbs in a more comfortable position.

For a moment, Cyrus stood watching the fox spirit’s peaceful face, so different from his usual animated expressions.

"It’s not worth it," Cyrus murmured, more to himself than to Kane.

"I’ll handle things for now."

He pulled the covers over Kane, his fingers lingering briefly near the karmic seal on Kane’s chest.

"Sleep well, fox."