The rain continued to pour outside, a relentless torrent that seemed to echo the storm raging within us. Every strike, every block, felt amplified by the thunder overhead, a symphony of chaos that threatened to drown out reason. Zane’s fists were a blur, fueled by anger and heartbreak, but I held my ground, refusing to give in to the fury that threatened to consume us both.In the corner, Avery’s trembling figure caught my eye—her face streaked with dirt and tears, yet alive. I could see her fighting to stay strong, to hold onto hope. Her presence was a fragile anchor amidst the chaos, a reminder of what we were fighting for.Zane’s attacks grew more vicious, each one laced with pain and betrayal. I knew beneath that rage was a man broken, lost in the darkness he’d willingly embraced. I had to reach him—before it was too late.“Zane!” I shouted, voice hoarse but resolute. “Remember who you are! This isn’t you! Fight it!”For a moment, his eyes flickered with recognition—just a flicker
Craig’s POV The rain hammered down harder, each drop a percussion of chaos echoing in my ears. Lightning flashed across the sky, illuminating the twisted shadows of the forest around us. Every step felt heavier, as if the storm itself sought to hold me back, to drown out my resolve.Carolina’s grip remained firm on my arm, her breath ragged but determined. I could feel her fear — but also her fierce loyalty. She believed in this fight, in Avery, in us. And that belief fueled my own resolve.Ahead, the dark outline of Zane’s domain loomed—an abandoned cabin silhouetted against the storm, windows like hollow eyes staring into the abyss. That’s where Avery was. I could feel it in my bones. I could sense her presence, faint but persistent, like a whisper carried on the wind.Marcus’s voice echoed in my mind—his words about darkness, about lines crossed. I knew he was right in some ways. Zane had gone too far, spiraling into something unrecognizable. But I also knew that if I hesitated no
Craig’s POV Suddenly, a deep voice cut through the storm’s chaos, resonant and commanding. “Stop right there.”I froze, heart pounding, as a figure stepped out from the shadows—a towering man, broad and weathered, eyes blazing with authority and warning. His presence was like a wall of steel, unyielding and intimidating.“Who are you?” I demanded, voice wary, tightening my grip on Carolina.The man’s gaze shifted to me, then to Mira with a mixture of recognition and disdain. “I’m Marcus,” he said, voice gravelly. “Zane’s father. And I won’t let you pass.”Mira stiffened, defensive. “He’s just trying to find Avery,” she said quickly. “He means no harm.”Marcus’s eyes flicked to me, then to Carolina, assessing. “Avery is gone because Zane took her,” he said grimly. “And I’ve spent years trying to keep what’s left of this place from tearing itself apart. I won’t let Zane’s reckless obsession drag us all into chaos.”I clenched my fists. “I need to see him. Zane’s my brother. I have to s
Craig’s POVThe storm’s fury roared louder, tearing through the canopy and battering us with sheets of rain that numbed skin and blurred vision. Every crack of thunder felt like a punch to my chest, each lightning strike illuminating twisted branches and the jagged outline of Zane's territory with stark, fleeting clarity. The ground beneath my boots was a slick, treacherous mess of mud and water, threatening to swallow me whole with every step. I clenched my fists, fighting the instinct to slip or fall, knowing that even the smallest misstep would betray us in this chaos.Carolina’s grip on my arm tightened as she hesitated at the boundary, her breath ragged and shallow. Her eyes flickered with a mixture of fear and determination, reflecting the storm’s wild dance around us. “Craig,” she whispered, voice trembling but urgent. “Are we really doing this? Are we sure?”I hesitated, staring into the darkness beyond the natural markers—overgrown roots, fallen branches, the faint scent of d
The soft hum of the hospital room remained a constant backdrop as dawn’s first light seeped through the blinds, casting a gentle glow over Avery’s exhausted face. The steady rhythm of her breathing was a small comfort, a reminder that, for now, the storm had been momentarily weathered. Yet beneath that calm, a thousand unspoken fears still lingered in the silence.Zane sat at her bedside, his hand still wrapped around hers, feeling the faint warmth of her skin. His mind replayed the doctor’s words — the labor had slowed, but the battle wasn’t over. Every fiber of his being was on high alert, waiting for the next sign, the next challenge.A nurse entered quietly, her face soft with reassurance. “She’s stable for now, but we’ll keep her under close observation. No sudden movements, no stress. We’ll do everything we can to keep her safe.”Zane nodded, offering a faint smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Thank you,” he managed, voice thick with emotion. Inside, he was still fighting
Zane’s POV The sterile glow of the hospital room seemed almost overwhelming in its brightness, but it was nothing compared to the storm raging inside me. I sat motionless beside Avery, her fragile hand clutching mine—the only anchor I had in this sea of uncertainty. Every beat of her heart, every shallow breath she took, was etched into my mind, a reminder of how delicate this precious moment was.I stared at her face, exhausted yet resilient, and my chest tightened with a mixture of fear and admiration. How could someone so tiny carry such strength? How could she be so brave when everything was so unpredictable? I wanted to shield her from this pain, this fear, but I knew I couldn’t. All I could do was be here—present, steadfast, unwavering.The monitors beeped softly in the background, their rhythms echoing the fragile hope I clung to. I kept telling myself that we were doing everything right, but the truth was—every second felt like walking on a knife’s edge. The doctor’s words ab