The queen's gambit

Downtown Bangkok – Midnight

Rain slicked the streets in sheets of silver, the city shrouded in the kind of darkness that whispered secrets to the walls. Aria Veylan sat inside a bulletproof Rolls-Royce Phantom, the red velvet interior a stark contrast to the black storm outside.

Across from her sat her most loyal lieutenant, Alina Trent. Pale skin, onyx eyes, razor-sharp mind. If Aria was the queen, Alina was her blade.

“Project Crimson has been initiated. Phase one complete,” Alina said, sliding over a tablet.

Aria studied the screen. Footage. Names. Wire transfers. The corrupt veins of the police department glowing like cancer under digital light.

“Leak the money trail. One piece at a time. Make them sweat,” Aria commanded.

Alina nodded. “And Rayen?”

Aria looked out the window. “He’s the pawn they think they control. But they forget who taught him to play.”

---

Police HQ – Evidence Locker Room

Rayen stood in front of the evidence locker, alone. His ID had barely cleared him for entry this late. But he had to know. He had to see it for himself.

He opened Locker 317.

Inside was the case that had destroyed Aria.

The file she was arrested under. Fabricated documents. Coerced witness statements. Even her psychological record—twisted, manipulated.

Rayen felt his stomach twist.

She had been framed.

And he had been too blind, too weak, to stop it.

“Captain?”

He turned.

It was Officer Lila Namsin. Young. Sharp. And now, suspiciously watching him.

“You’re not supposed to access that without command clearance.”

Rayen closed the locker. “I cleared it with Chief Warut.”

Her brows lifted. “Chief Warut is in surgery. He’s been shot.”

Rayen froze.

Shot? Tonight?

“Who?” he asked.

Lila frowned. “They say it was a robbery. But it was too clean. Professional.”

Rayen turned away.

Project Crimson had teeth.

---

Flashback – Five Years Ago

Aria stood in court, chained, her suit torn, blood on her lip. Every camera in the room flashed like fireflies around a corpse.

Rayen sat in the front row.

He hadn’t spoken.

He hadn’t stood.

He just let them rip her soul apart.

---

Present – Aria’s Penthouse

Aria removed her earrings slowly, then sat before a glowing screen.

Footage played on loop.

Rayen. In the evidence room. Staring at her past.

“He found it,” Alina said.

Aria said nothing.

Alina hesitated. “You could forgive him.”

Aria looked up, eyes rimmed in red.

“I don’t want forgiveness. I want domination.”

---

Warehouse District – 3:47 a.m.

A fire erupted.

The warehouse linked to the police slush fund ignited like paper. Evidence gone.

Rayen watched the smoke from the roof of a nearby building.

“You always did enjoy theatrics,” he muttered.

Behind him, a soft click.

Safety off. A gun pointed at his head.

He turned slowly.

Aria stood there, hair wet from rain, pistol steady.

“You’re either going to help me, or die trying to stop me,” she said.

Rayen looked at her. Really looked.

She wasn’t broken anymore.

She was reborn.

And she didn’t need love.

She needed obedience.

He raised his hands slowly.

“Then let me help you burn them.”

She stared at him.

Lowered the gun.

And kissed him.

But it wasn’t a kiss of love.

It was war.

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