Discovery

Lara moved through the dense jungle with practiced ease, her body slick with sweat from the oppressive humidity. The past few days had been a whirlwind of deception and indulgence, playing her role at Viktor’s estate—flirting, distracting, and extracting information piece by piece. But nothing had prepared her for what she had uncovered today.

She crouched low, hidden behind thick foliage, her sharp eyes locked on the excavation site below. Heavy machinery rumbled through the valley, tearing into the earth with ruthless efficiency. Armed guards patrolled the perimeter, their sleek, black rifles glinting under the midday sun. The entire operation reeked of something far more sinister than a simple archaeological dig.

A makeshift command center stood at the heart of it all—a large tent where men in suits and military gear gathered around a table strewn with documents and satellite images. Lara zoomed in with her binoculars, her heart hammering against her ribs as she recognized the artifact depicted on one of the papers.

So that’s what he’s after.

Viktor wasn’t just another spoiled billionaire playing treasure hunter. He knew exactly what he was looking for, and judging by the urgency of his men, he was close to finding it.

She shifted slightly, careful not to make a sound. She needed to get closer.

Slipping through the underbrush, she approached one of the parked trucks near the command center. The cargo hold was half-open, filled with wooden crates marked with strange symbols. Her fingers traced the carvings—ancient, forgotten language. But before she could pry open a crate—

"Going somewhere, Lady Croft?"

The voice sent ice down her spine.

She spun around, but it was too late.

A heavy blow struck the back of her head, sending her vision spinning. She hit the ground, her body sluggish, unresponsive. Boots crunched against the dirt as figures emerged from the shadows—Viktor’s men.