Chapter 9: The Ambush

Sharma recognised Mohan instantly, despite the disguise. His sharp gaze caught the familiar scar and inward-pointing feet. Some things, he thought, can’t be hidden.

Mohan was hopeless at assassination. His clumsy moves brought back memories of police drills gone awry. When the sophon landed, it had already scouted all threatening humans, dismissing Sharma—until he awakened his memories after being scouted. By then, it was too late.

Though Mohan received an emergency retreat order, with the target—a civilian woman—right in front of him, he had to at least stab once. He gripped the knife too tight, sweat dampening his palms. Taking the risk, he stabbed the bulge under the bedding—only to meet soft resistance. Five seconds later, Sharma pinned him down with a clean, efficient move, nearly wrenching his arm off.

The pain was instant, Mohan’s retina flashing Sharma’s profile and the word "unfathomable" before he blacked out. Sharma, hidden in Neha’s bed, wasted no words—just knocked Mohan out with a swift karate chop. The room was still, a dog barking outside to mark the end. Sharma flexed his hands, muttering a curse, restraining the urge to go further.