As the flames blazed in front of him, Xander sat by the fireplace, his thoughts racing. His body and soul were permanently scarred by the remains of their recent conflicts. Isabella had dozed out, her features softened by the firelight as she cuddled up on the couch across from him. His mind cleared for a minute as he observed her serene demeanour.
However, the impending storm could not be avoided.
The scenario had gotten increasingly hazardous the further they had penetrated Alexander's criminal organisation. More levels of treachery and dishonesty were revealed every day. Their next course of action was still uncertain, as if they were pursuing shadows on an unending battlefield.
Xander was aware that the last encounter with Alexander was imminent. He was more uneasy about the mounting doubt that was invading his thoughts than he was about the face-off that was about to happen.
Slowly emerging from her slumber, Isabella's eyes flitted open and locked with Xander's. She sat up and pu
