Shadow Code: Descendant's Wrath

Chapter 11

As Alistair and Chloe prepared for their journey to Paris, tension lingered in the air between them like an unspoken promise. Chloe's doubt gnawed at her like a persistent ache, her mind consumed with worries about Malcolm's true intentions, but Alistair couldn't help but roll his eyes at her persistent doubts.

"You know, Chloe, if we're going to spend the entire trip second-guessing Malcolm, we might as well just stay home," he remarked, his tone laced with a hint of sarcasm.

Chloe shot him a reproachful glare, her hands pausing in the midst of folding a shirt. "I'm just being cautious, Alistair. We can't afford to be naive, especially when dealing with someone like Malcolm."

Alistair sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "I get it, Chloe. But trust me, Malcolm may be many things, but he's not stupid. He knows what's at stake, and he knows better than to cross me."

Chloe raised an eyebrow skeptically. "And how exactly do you plan to ensure that he keeps his word?"

Alistair flashed her a mischievous grin. He wasn't about to tell her that he had blackmailed the man by threatening his daughter. "Simple. I'll just give him one of my patented 'disappointed father' looks. Works like a charm every time."

Chloe couldn't help but laugh at his bravado, shaking her head in amusement. "You really do have an inflated sense of your own intimidation tactics, don't you?"

Alistair mockingly placed a hand over his heart, feigning offense. "Hey, I'll have you know that my 'disappointed father' look has struck fear into the hearts of many a misbehaving teenager."

Chloe chuckled, shaking her head fondly at his antics. "Well, let's hope it works on Malcolm too. Otherwise, we might be in for a rough ride."

Alistair grinned, a glint of mischief dancing in his eyes. "Oh, don't worry, Chloe. I've got this under control. Besides, what's the worst that could happen? It's not like we're walking into the lion's den or anything."

Chloe shot him a pointed look. "Famous last words, Alistair. Famous last words."

As Alistair finished packing, he couldn't resist one final attempt to dissuade Chloe from joining him. He turned to her with a smirk playing on his lips, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

"You know, Chloe, if you insist on tagging along, I hope you've packed your bulletproof pajamas," he quipped, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Chloe rolled her eyes, unamused by his attempt at humor. "Very funny, Alistair. But I'm not about to let you have all the fun without me," she retorted, her voice laced with equal parts annoyance and determination.

Alistair chuckled, shaking his head in mock exasperation. "Well, don't say I didn't warn you. If things go south, I'll be expecting you to leap in front of any incoming bullets like the loyal sidekick you are."

Chloe shot him a withering glare. "You're impossible, you know that?"

Alistair grinned, unrepentant. "Hey, you're the one who signed up for this rollercoaster ride. Just make sure you keep your hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times."

Chloe sighed, shaking her head in resignation. "You're lucky I love you, you insufferable man."

Alistair's grin widened into a smirk. "Oh, I know. And don't you forget it."

And with that, they headed out the door, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them in Paris, snark and all.---As Alistair and Chloe arrived in Paris, Alistair's powers manifested in a subtle yet potent form of persuasion, woven with intent and purpose. With a mere glance and a focused thought, he guided them through security and customs, his will bending the perceptions of those around them to ensure a smooth and inconspicuous passage.