The Invisible String: Matt Murdock/ Daredevil

14

Annalise moved to the window, watching the city blur past ten floors down. "We're done playing defense."

"I agree," Foggy said. "But we can't let him force your hand, Matt. If you walk in there, you're not coming back out."

"I'm not planning to walk in there," Matt said. "Not alone."

Foggy frowned. "Wait. Are you saying what I think you're saying?"

Matt turned his head slightly, toward the hallway. "Annalise and I are going after Karen. Tonight."

Foggy stood up. "Then I'm coming too."

"No." Matt's voice was sharp.

"You need me—"

"We need someone on the outside. Someone who can cover our tracks if this goes sideways. That's you."

Foggy hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. "Fine. But you're checking in. Constantly. I mean it."

"We will," Annalise promised.

Matt stepped toward her, sensing the shift in her breathing again. "You sure you're up for this?"

She looked up at him, jaw set. "You don't have to ask. This is war, remember?"

Matt nodded. "Then we gear up."

Annalise exhaled slowly. "Get me a fancy set then big shot."

"And maybe a new alias," Foggy muttered, rubbing his temples. "Because Fisk just painted a giant target on your back."

She turned, her voice calm but laced with fire. "Let him. I'm not running anymore."

Matt stood beside her, the quiet steadiness in his presence anchoring them both.

He could feel her heart, strong and fast.

Matt turned to Annalise, head tilting slightly. "Give me a few hours."

She raised a brow. "For what?"

He offered a faint smirk. "You said you wanted a fancy set. I know a guy."

"And this guy just so happens to make combat-grade couture?"

"Something like that," Matt said. "You'll like it. Reinforced lining, custom fit, tailored for mobility. Light, but durable. It'll move with you." He paused, then added more quietly, "And it'll keep you safe."

Annalise blinked. That part... landed more than she expected.

He turned toward the door.

"Matt—" she called before he left.

He stopped.

"Don't take too long."

He gave a small nod and disappeared into the hallway, closing the door behind him.

Annalise sank onto the edge of the couch, elbows on her knees. Her gaze flicked toward the window, but her mind wasn't on the skyline anymore.

Foggy was still standing, arms crossed now, watching her with a strange mix of worry and curiosity.

"You okay?" he asked after a moment.

She let out a small breath. "Depends on your definition."

He moved to sit beside her. "You really think you're ready for this?"

She didn't answer right away. Instead, she looked down at her hands, flexing her fingers once like she was reminding herself what they were capable of. Then: "I've been ready for a long time. Just... waiting for the right moment."