Claws of Operation Eclipse (C.O.E)

Ariana stayed silent throughout the ride, her thoughts swirling like a storm. She stared out the window, her fists clenched tightly in her lap. Beside her, Xander was no different—his usual sharp, commanding demeanor replaced by an unsettling stillness. His expression was unreadable, but the tension in his jaw spoke volumes.

In the middle, Darwin and Chloe sat together, their ears occasionally twitching, while Wince had dozed off, his soft snores punctuating the heavy atmosphere. The silence was suffocating, broken only by the soft hum of the engine as the car sped through the dense forest road.

How did it all go so wrong? Ariana thought bitterly. Every detail of the failed mission played in her mind like a broken record. Her chest tightened with guilt, and she bit her lip, trying to suppress the tears threatening to spill.

Across from her, Xander's thoughts were a blank void. He didn't allow himself to relive the events—not yet. He couldn't afford to. The only thing he let himself feel was the sharp sting of failure, a sensation he hadn't tasted in years. It burned, cutting deeper than any blade ever had.

The car slowed as it approached a sprawling estate, hidden deep within the forest. The sight of it momentarily distracted Ariana. The sheer size and grandeur of the property were breathtaking—a modern masterpiece of sleek black stone and glass, blending into the shadows of the towering trees.

"We're here," the driver announced, pulling the car to a smooth halt.

The words shook Ariana from her thoughts. Wince yawned loudly, stretching his small frame before hopping down from the car. Darwin and Chloe followed, their movements fluid and quiet.

Xander, however, didn't wait for anyone. He stepped out and strode toward the mansion, his long strides purposeful yet heavy. His shoulders remained stiff, his back a fortress no one could penetrate.

Ariana lingered behind, her gaze fixed on the imposing structure before her. "Where is this place?" she murmured, her voice barely audible.

"This belongs to Xander," Wince answered, his tone proud as his tail flicked upward.

She turned to him, her eyes widening slightly. "It's… his?"

Wince gave a smug nod. Ariana didn't press further, instead trailing behind the cats as they made their way into the mansion.

The interior was no less impressive. The main hall was expansive, with high ceilings and polished black marble floors. The décor was minimalist yet striking, with a color palette dominated by blacks, grays, and silvers. The faint scent of cedarwood lingered in the air, adding a touch of warmth to the otherwise stark space.

"Welcome, ma'am. I'm Eleana," a young woman greeted her at the entrance. She had a professional air, but her bright smile softened the formality.

"Hello," Ariana replied, a bit startled by the warm reception.

The woman hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Miss…?"

"Ariana Blackheart," she supplied, offering a small smile.

At her response, Eleana's expression shifted ever so slightly, but before Ariana could decipher it, a man descended the staircase. His suit was immaculate, and his demeanor carried the practiced elegance of someone who had spent years in service.

"Miss Ariana," he addressed her with a slight bow. "I am Lee, the butler. Please, follow me."

She nodded, her curiosity growing with every step. As they ascended the grand staircase, she couldn't hold back her question. "Where's Xander?"

Lee glanced at her briefly. "Mr. Smith is in the master bedroom, across the hall," he said, gesturing to a large black door at the far end of the corridor. "He has requested that no one disturb him."

Ariana's gaze lingered on the door. Her curiosity warred with respect for his wishes. "Thank you, Mr. Lee," she said softly.

Lee inclined his head and disappeared down the staircase, leaving Ariana alone in the hallway. She stood there for a moment before her resolve hardened. Like I'm going to listen to that.

She tiptoed across the hall, her boots barely making a sound against the polished floor. She paused outside the door and knocked softly. "Xander…?" she called. No response.

"Please, can I come in?" she tried again, her voice quieter. Still nothing.

She hesitated for a moment before gently pushing the door open. The room was dimly lit, but enough light seeped through the curtains to reveal a massive space, its design as sleek and dark as the rest of the mansion.

Her eyes scanned the room until they landed on him. Xander sat on the edge of the bed, his head bowed, his hands covering his face.

"Xander," she called again, this time stepping closer.

He didn't move.

Ariana's heart clenched. She knelt beside him, her eyes searching his face for any sign of acknowledgment. Slowly, he lifted his head, and what she saw made her heart shatter. His eyes were bloodshot, his face pale and etched with anguish.

"Xander," she whispered, tears pricking her own eyes.

He tried to look away, but Ariana reached out and hugged him tightly. At first, he stiffened, but then his walls crumbled, and he let himself lean into her. The weight of failure, of loss, pressed down on them both, but in that moment, neither was alone.

Meanwhile, in California, the Yakima mansion was alive with activity. Yuka strode confidently into his father's office, the briefcase containing the Chronochip clutched tightly in his hand.

"Father!" he called, his voice brimming with pride. The room's atmosphere was thick with tension, but Yuka seemed oblivious, basking in the triumph he believed was his alone.

"I have the Chronochip," he declared, holding the briefcase aloft as if it were a trophy.

By the door, Yuna stood silently, her expression unreadable. She didn't speak up, didn't correct her brother's self-aggrandizing proclamation. She knew better than to draw attention to herself, especially in front of their father.

Sakura's cold eyes flicked from the briefcase to Yuna. "And the girl?" he asked, his voice as sharp as a blade.

Yuna's blood ran cold. Before she could respond, a hand shot out, slapping her hard across the face.

The sting was immediate, but Yuna didn't flinch. She kept her head down, her hands trembling at her sides.

"That was just the beginning," Sakura sneered.

Blow after blow followed—punches, kicks, and insults that cut deeper than any physical wound. Saiko watched from a corner of the room, her lips curling into a s grin as the violence unfolded.

When Sakura finally stepped back, his chest heaving with exertion, he spat at her feet. "To the basement. Now."

"Yes, sir," Yuna replied, her voice a hollow whisper as she staggered toward the door.

Saiko rose from hier seat, following her with a smug expression. "Let's see how much more you can take," she murmured under her breath.