Brianna looked at them earnestly and said, "Can we please focus on finding Benjamin? That’s really what matters right now."Matthew and Austin sighed and nodded in agreement. "Of course," Matthew said. "We need to find him. He's our brother."Austin turned to Matthew and asked, "You’ve never heard anyone talk about him or know his whereabouts?"Brianna hesitated for a moment, her expression troubled. Then she recalled a conversation with Maverick. "There is one person who might know something," she said slowly. "Maverick. He’s a popular, rich guy here.”Matthew and Austin exchanged confused looks. "Maverick? What does he have to do with this?" they asked. "We know him. Tell us more."Brianna took a deep breath and explained, "Maverick has been pursuing me for some time. When he learned that my thoughts were always on Benjamin, he told me that Benjamin was dead. I didn’t believe him at first; I thought he was just trying to get me to forget about Benjamin. But now… I’m not sure."Matth
Cipherella stepped forward, her expression resolute and unwavering. "I'm ready, master," she said with a calm, steady voice. "Here to serve you always." Benjamin gave a slight nod, appreciating her loyalty and readiness. "Good," he replied. "Prepare everything for our departure. We leave as soon as possible.” The next day, just before dawn, Benjamin and Cipherella stood ready. It was around 4 a.m., and the air was cool and still. They both wore outfits that were unique and strangely practical, designed for a mission that required both stealth and speed. Benjamin was dressed in a sleek, form-fitting black jacket made from a high-tech, bulletproof fabric that looked like a regular leather jacket. His pants were reinforced with tactical padding, blending seamlessly into a pair of sturdy, lightweight boots. The dark colors of his clothing seemed to absorb the surrounding shadows, making him almost blend into the dim light of early morning. Cipherella, standing beside him, wore a dark,
Carrying their large loads filled with weapons, suits, and other equipment, Benjamin and Cipherella made their way through a narrow, open street. It wasn't particularly busy, but a few cars were passing by, and the occasional pedestrian walked along the sidewalks. The two of them moved carefully, mindful of their surroundings and the conspicuousness of their presence.Cipherella glanced at Benjamin and asked, “So, master, where are we going now?”“Al-Maliki,” Benjamin replied. “That’s where Darnell’s base is. We’ll stay in a hotel there for now.”As they continued walking, they noticed that people were staring at them strangely. Benjamin realized that it was likely because of their attire. Cipherella’s fitted coat and tactical pants stood out among the local women, who were dressed in long, modest clothing, their heads covered with scarves. The men, too, were dressed in loose, long-sleeved shirts and trousers. Their foreign appearance, combined with their heavy bags, drew more attenti
Benjamin raised an eyebrow slightly at the high fare but didn’t argue. “Uh, that isn’t a worry,” he said, waving off the concern. “But can you find us a good hotel to stay in? Something cool and private, you know, good.”The driver shrugged. “High-end hotels are in Damascus, so you’ll need to go there rather.”“Damascus?” Benjamin asked, “Is it far from Al-Maliki?”The driver chuckled lightly. “Al-Maliki is actually a neighborhood within Damascus, not a separate city or town. It is located in the western part of Damascus and is considered one of the more affluent and prestigious areas.”“So it’s very close, then. That’s good,” Benjamin said, feeling more at ease.“Okay, thank you,” Benjamin added, settling back into his seat.Cipherella turned to Benjamin, a thoughtful expression on her face. “Master, what about the money? How will you get their currency? Do you need to go to a forex bureau?”Benjamin shook his head, a slight smile on his lips. “No, that’s not a big deal. My bank is a
The streets of Damascus were lively, filled with the steady hum of activity. Cars of all shapes and sizes moved along the narrow roads, honking occasionally as they navigated the winding pathways. Pedestrians walked along the sidewalks, some carrying bags of fresh produce from the local markets, others in groups, engaged in animated conversations. The scent of spices and street food wafted through the air, mingling with the occasional puff of smoke from small roadside stalls roasting meats and baking flatbreads. Benjamin glanced out of the car window, taking in the scene. The city was a blend of old and new, with ancient stone buildings lining the streets, their facades weathered but charming, standing alongside more modern constructions. Some areas were more polished, showcasing wealth with upscale boutiques and cafés, while others displayed a more modest lifestyle, with small shops and vendors peddling their wares. The atmosphere was vibrant, yet not overwhelmingly crowded. Childre
Benjamin exchanged a glance with Cipherella, his expression relaxed yet cautious. “We’re looking for a room,” he said. “Something private and comfortable. We’ll be staying for a few days.”“Of course,” the young man replied smoothly. “We have several options available. Would you prefer a suite or a more standard room?”“A suite would be perfect,” Benjamin answered, keeping his tone friendly. He wanted to appear like any other traveler, even if his purpose here was far from ordinary.The young man nodded again and typed swiftly into his computer. “We have a lovely suite on the top floor that offers privacy and an excellent view of the city. I think it would be perfect for you.” He paused and looked at Benjamin. “Will that suit your needs?”“Yes, that sounds good,” Benjamin replied.The receptionist finished her conversation with the driver in Arabic, then turned her attention back to Benjamin and Cipherella. Her smile was polite but held a hint of curiosity as she assessed the newcomer
Cipherella nodded, her expression thoughtful. “It’s perfect for what we need,” she replied.As Benjamin sat on the sofa, taking in the luxurious surroundings, he suddenly felt his stomach rumble. He hadn’t realized how hungry he was until that moment. He glanced over at Cipherella, who had moved from the window to inspect the room.“I’m hungry,” Benjamin said, standing up and stretching slightly. “Let’s go find something to eat. I guess the breakfast option will start tomorrow.”Cipherella nodded in agreement. “Good idea, Master. We should get something now.”They quickly gathered themselves, making sure to lock the door securely behind them before stepping out into the hallway. They then made their way to the elevator, descending to the hotel lobby.Once they arrived in the lobby, Benjamin approached the front desk, where the same receptionist who had greeted them earlier was now attending to another guest. After a moment, the receptionist looked up and smiled at Benjamin. “Excuse m
As Benjamin took his first bite of the Shakriya, the flavors hit him all at once. The lamb was incredibly tender, almost melting in his mouth, but the yogurt-based sauce had a tangy sharpness that caught him off guard. It was unlike anything he had tasted before — rich and creamy, yet slightly sour, with a subtle hint of garlic and spices.His brow furrowed slightly as he processed the unfamiliar flavor profile. The tang of the yogurt clashed momentarily with his expectations, but as he continued chewing, the blend of spices began to warm his palate, and the dish started to grow on him."It’s... different," Benjamin said, glancing at Cipherella. "Definitely not what I expected.”Cipherella took her own bite, her expression thoughtful as she experienced the same initial surprise. "Strange, but kind of good," she responded, nodding slowly. The sauce's tangy edge was softened by the tenderness of the lamb and the mildness of the rice, making for an unusual but comforting combination.As