CHAPTER 63: The Washington Incident - Part XIII

CHAPTER 63: The Washington Incident - Part XIII

The rooftop of Enid Corp was an oasis of tranquility amidst the bustle of nighttime Berlin. The night wind gently caressed Enid, who was leaning against the railing, gazing at the full moon with a pensive expression. The city sparkled below her, but her attention was completely lost in the view of the night sky.

Suddenly, a familiar voice broke the silence.

"Enjoying the full moon or waiting for a werewolf to fall from the sky?"

Enid gave a slight start, bringing a hand to her chest as she turned quickly.

"My God, Phoenix! Do you always have to appear out of nowhere?"

Phoenix, with his usual sarcastic demeanor, took a step toward her, leaning on the railing beside her.

"It's a natural talent. But I didn't come here to scare you... this time."

Enid sighed, trying to regain her composure, and then gave him a relaxed smile.

"Well, I suppose there are scarier things in this world than you. Though not many."

They shared a brief silence as they contemplated the city. Finally, Enid broke the calm.

"You did a great job in Washington, you know? Not only did you defeat Adam, but you got President George W. Bush himself to bow to you. It almost seemed like he wanted to hire you as his right-hand man."

Phoenix scoffed, crossing his arms.

"That kind of job isn't for me. Office suits look good on me, but politics... I prefer fights with monsters and egomaniacs."

Enid smiled, as if she expected that answer, and then changed the subject with a more serious tone.

"Speaking of which..." She turned to him, her eyes shining under the moonlight. "I want to offer you something, Phoenix. Something I've never offered anyone before."

Phoenix raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"This sounds interesting. Go on, surprise me."

Enid stepped away from the railing, taking a breath before continuing.

"I want you to be my right hand."

The silence that followed was brief, but palpable. Phoenix looked at her skeptically before responding.

"Your right hand? Don't I already have a job? You know, saving the world, putting up with Lucian and Vanessa, that sort of thing."

Enid smiled but didn't yield.

"Your team is important, I know. But Marcus can take your place as operational leader. He's proven more than capable. Besides, I'm talking about something bigger, something with more reach."

Phoenix narrowed his eyes, weighing her words.

"And what exactly would be the advantages of being the right hand of the CEO of Enid Corp?"

Enid took a step toward him, her tone filled with confidence.

"Access to all the corporation's resources. Influence over decisions that shape the future of our society, not just for humans, but for supernatural races as well. Freedom to act on key missions without the usual restrictions. And, of course..." Enid paused, leaning slightly toward him. "You could do things your way, without anyone questioning your methods."

Phoenix crossed his arms, pondering.

"It sounds tempting, but... what does Enid Corp gain from this?"

Enid looked at him intently, her eyes showing determination.

"I gain someone I can trust. Someone who is not only strong but also intelligent and, though you hate to admit it, committed to doing the right thing. That's not something you can say about just anyone, Phoenix."

Phoenix let out a short, dry laugh.

"That sounds like a sales pitch, but I admit it sounds good."

He turned back to the railing, contemplating the full moon.

Phoenix remained gazing at the full moon, thoughtful. For a moment, the silence between them grew thicker, interrupted only by the sound of the night wind. Then, without taking his eyes off the sky, Phoenix spoke in a calm tone.

"I accept. And if this means doing things my way and having a real impact... then I accept the role."

Enid looked at him, surprised for a moment, before a genuine smile lit up her face.

"Really?"

Phoenix turned his head toward her, with a slight, ironic smile.

"What can I say? You convince me with your speeches. And, well... it seems like it could be interesting to have an official position as the queen's right hand."

Enid let out a soft laugh, clearly relieved. Without a second thought, she stepped forward and hugged him, which took Phoenix by surprise.

"You don't know how much this means to me."

Phoenix remained still for a moment before giving her an awkward pat on the back.

"Well, it's not that big a deal... I'm not signing a contract in blood, am I?"

Enid pulled away, still smiling, and shook her head.

"No, but it's definitely a game-changer."

They both let the relaxed atmosphere envelop them. Then, Enid took a step closer to Phoenix and, without warning, raised her hands and gently cupped his face. Phoenix blinked, surprised by the gesture, but didn't pull away.

"You're so much more than you seem, Phoenix Rogers," Enid said softly, her intense gaze meeting his. "I've known it since the first day I met you."

Phoenix let out a faint smile.

"And you're a lot more persistent than you look. But I guess... that's what makes us work, isn't it?"

Enid tilted her head slightly, assessing him as if searching for something in his eyes.

"We work?" she repeated, with a slight hint of amusement.

Phoenix sighed, resigned, but also relieved to be able to be honest.

"Call it whatever you want, but yes... we work."

No more words were needed. Enid, with a confident movement, leaned into him. Phoenix didn't pull away, but closed his eyes just as their lips met in a kiss that, though unexpected, seemed inevitable.

It was a kiss that sealed much more than a professional relationship; it was a silent declaration that they were both willing to face the challenges the future held for them, together.