Chapter 7: A Fragile Balance

Sage took a deep breath and stepped into the lab, her eyes fixed on Viper's face. The air was thick with tension as she closed the door behind her. Viper's gaze never wavered, her expression a mask of indifference. "Let's get this over with," Viper said, her voice low and even. She gestured to the folder in Sage's hand. "You've got the plans for the mission. I'll take them." Sage hesitated, her eyes darting around the lab before coming back to Viper's face. "Viper, I—" Viper raised a hand, her palm facing Sage. "Just give me the plans, Sage." Sage's eyes flashed with a mix of fear and determination as she handed over the folder. Viper took it, her fingers brushing against Sage's as she did. The touch sent a spark of electricity through Viper's body, but her expression remained unchanged. As Sage took a step back, Viper's gaze locked onto hers. "If you say or do anything I don't like," Viper said, her voice low and menacing, "I will have my way with you, whether you want it or not." The words hung in the air, a threat that was both explicit and implicit. Sage's eyes widened, her face paling as she took another step back. Viper's gaze never wavered, her eyes glinting with a hint of malice. Sage's voice was barely above a whisper. "I understand." Viper's expression didn't change, but a sense of satisfaction washed over her. She knew she had asserted her dominance, made it clear that she wouldn't be pushed or manipulated. The air was heavy with tension as Sage took another step back, her eyes fixed on Viper's face. "I'll leave you to review the plans," Sage said, her voice trembling slightly. Viper nodded, her gaze never leaving Sage's face. "Do that." As Sage turned to leave, Viper's voice stopped her. "Sage?" Sage turned back, her eyes wary. "Yeah?" Viper's smile was cold and calculating. "Don't think for a second that I'm not serious about what I said." Sage's eyes flashed with fear, but she nodded quickly before turning and fleeing the lab. Viper watched her go, a sense of satisfaction washing over her. She knew she had maintained her control, asserted her dominance over Sage. But as she turned back to review the plans, a spark of curiosity ignited within her. What had Sage wanted to talk about? And why had she been so eager to discuss it?