The group moved through the city under the cover of darkness, sticking to side streets and alleyways to avoid detection. Petrov's directions led them to an old, dilapidated warehouse on the outskirts of the city, a perfect hideout for the night.

Once inside, they secured the area and set up a temporary base. Natasha and James took turns watching the entrances while Mason prepared a makeshift operations center using the supplies they had brought with them.

Y/n sat down with Petrov, her expression serious. "You’ve told us about Valentina and her main base. Now we need details—security protocols, guard schedules, any weaknesses we can exploit."

Petrov nodded, visibly more cooperative after the events of the night. "Valentina's base is an old military compound, repurposed with state-of-the-art security systems. There's a perimeter fence, surveillance cameras, and armed guards patrolling around the clock. But there are two weak points: the maintenance tunnels under the compound and the supply deliveries every morning at 4 AM. The tunnels are less monitored, and the delivery route offers a brief window when the guards are distracted."

Natasha joined them, listening intently. "We’ll need a team to infiltrate the tunnels and another to use the delivery route as a diversion. How many guards are we talking about?"

Petrov thought for a moment. "Usually around twenty, but the number can vary. Valentina likes to keep her security unpredictable."

James, who had been quiet, spoke up. "We’ll need to coordinate with our contacts. This is bigger than just us."

Y/n nodded in agreement. "Make the call then."

Natasha narrowed her eyes, "are you sure sbout this?"

Y/n paused for a moment staring at Natasha, "do we have any other choice?"

...

Hours later, Nat was on the burner phone, contacting an old ally with resources and a reliable network. "We need backup," she said, her voice steady. "We're planning an assault on a fortified compound. Can you help?"

The voice on the other end was cautious. "This is risky, Nat. But if it means taking down Valentina, I'm in. I'll rally the troops."

Nat ended the call and turned to the others. "Help is on the way. We'll meet them at a designated location tomorrow night."

...

The night was quiet in the dilapidated warehouse, a stark contrast to the tension and chaos of the previous hours. The others were scattered around, preparing for the mission ahead, but Y/n and Natasha found themselves alone in a small corner of the building.

Y/n sat on an old crate, her mind racing with the details of the plan. Natasha approached, her footsteps light and almost soundless on the concrete floor. She sat down beside Y/n, her presence a calming force amidst the storm.

"Hey," Natasha said softly, her voice breaking through Y/n’s thoughts.

Y/n turned to face her, their eyes meeting. "Hey," she replied, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You think we can pull this off?"

Natasha reached out, taking Y/n’s hand in hers. "I do. We've been through worse, and we always come out on top."

Y/n squeezed her hand, drawing strength from the contact. "I know. It's just... this feels different. Bigger." It is bigger than anything else, given the fact that Y/n only got out of prison and now this, a risky revenge that can go sideways anytime, that can put her back to prison any moment authorities found out where she was and she's been doing.

Natasha nodded, her thumb gently brushing over Y/n's knuckles. "It is. But that’s why we need to stay strong. For each other."

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the mission hanging heavy in the air. Natasha shifted closer, her body brushing against Y/n’s. The touch was subtle but grounding, a reminder of the connection they shared. Hatred set aside in the moment of comfort.

"You’re not alone in this," Natasha whispered, her voice barely audible. "We’re in this together, every step of the way."

Y/n looked into Natasha’s eyes, finding solace in the emerald depths. "I know," she murmured. "And I’m grateful for that."

A gentle smile curved Natasha's lips, and she leaned in, her forehead resting against Y/n's, like the way they used to do in their youths. The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them in their own bubble of quiet intimacy.

"Whatever happens tomorrow," Natasha said softly, her breath warm against Y/n's skin, "I want you to know that you mean everything to me." After everything that happened, Natasha wanted to let Y/n know that whatever happened in the past she regrets it now — everyday, from when the crime happened seventeen years ago. She wants you to know that it was never her intension to put you in such place without knowing that you'd be far better in prison than where she grew up to be the assassin that she became.

...

The next evening, they rendezvoused with their reinforcements at an abandoned factory near the compound. The team consisted of a dozen seasoned operatives, all prepared for the mission. They reviewed the plan one final time, splitting into two groups: one for the tunnels, led by Natasha, and one for the supply route, led by James.

Y/n, Mason, and Petrov would stay back to coordinate the assault and provide backup if needed.

As the teams moved into position, Y/n couldn’t shake the feeling of anticipation. This was their chance to strike a decisive blow against Valentina’s syndicate.

...

Natasha's team navigated through the maintenance tunnels, moving silently and efficiently. They reached the entrance to the compound, where a single guard stood watch. Natasha took him out swiftly, ensuring the path was clear.

James's team, meanwhile, waited near the supply entrance, their eyes on the clock. At precisely 4 AM, the delivery truck arrived. The guards, momentarily distracted, allowed James’s team to slip inside the compound unnoticed.

The teams converged at the heart of the compound, where Valentina was reportedly located. Moving with military precision, they neutralized guards and avoided security cameras. Finally, they reached a heavily guarded door.

Natasha signaled for silence, then planted a small explosive charge on the door. Moments later, it blew open, and the team stormed inside.

Valentina stood at the center of the room, flanked by her remaining guards. She smiled coldly. "I’ve been expecting you."

Before anyone could react, Valentina’s guards opened fire. Chaos erupted as bullets flew, forcing Natasha and her team to dive for cover. James's team, entering from the opposite side, was caught off guard as well, scrambling to return fire.

Y/n's heart pounded in her chest as she crouched behind a metal cabinet, her mind racing. This was supposed to be a clean operation, but now it was a firefight. She glanced at Natasha, who was returning fire with deadly precision, her eyes filled with determination.

"Fall back!" Natasha shouted, trying to regroup her team. But it was too late.

A sudden explosion rocked the room, a flashbang that left everyone momentarily disoriented. When Y/n’s vision cleared, she found herself surrounded by Valentina's guards, their weapons trained on her.

"Drop your weapons!" Valentina ordered, her voice cutting through the chaos. Reluctantly, Y/n and her comrades complied, knowing they were outgunned and outnumbered.

Valentina sauntered forward, her eyes gleaming with triumph. "Did you really think you could outsmart me?" she sneered, stopping in front of Y/n. "I knew you were coming. I always know."

With a swift motion, Valentina’s guards seized Y/n, binding her hands behind her back. Natasha struggled against the grip of two guards holding her, her eyes filled with a mix of rage and fear as she watched Y/n being taken.

"No!" Natasha shouted, her voice raw with desperation. "Let her go!"

Valentina laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "Oh, but I can't do that, dear Natasha. Y/n is too valuable. She’ll be my leverage, my insurance."

Y/n tried to fight, but the guards’ grip was too strong. She locked eyes with Natasha, trying to convey a message of resilience and hope. "Stay strong," she mouthed, her voice barely a whisper.

Natasha's eyes blazed with fury, but she knew she was powerless in this moment. As Y/n was dragged away, Valentina turned to her remaining guards. "Take them to the cells. We’ll deal with them later."

Hours later, Y/n found herself in a dimly lit cell, the cold stone walls pressing in on her. Her mind raced with thoughts of escape, but she knew the odds were slim. Valentina was a ruthless opponent, always one step ahead.

Meanwhile, Natasha and the others were confined in separate cells, each grappling with their own feelings of failure and fear. The mission had gone horribly wrong, and now Y/n was in the clutches of their most dangerous enemy.

In the silence of her cell, Y/n took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. She knew Natasha and the team wouldn’t give up on her. They find a way to turn the tide, and rescue her.

╼ ⚮ ╾