LOGINChapter Ninety SevenElena’s POVThe truck did not slow until we were deep inside a crowded neighborhood where streetlights flickered and late night vendors still called out to tired customers. When it finally stopped, my legs could barely hold me. Brian jumped out first, scanning the street with sharp eyes like a man expecting death to walk out of the shadows.Sandra pulled me into her arms the second I stepped down.“You’re shaking,” she whispered. “You’re shaking so badly.”“I saw my aunt,” I said numbly. “She tried to take me.”Brian stiffened. “So it really is the Russians.”We rushed inside a small abandoned store at the corner that Brian clearly knew well. Someone had set it up as a safe point. Generator humming. Single bulb hanging. No cameras. No windows.Brian locked the door with two heavy bolts.Only then did my body collapse.I slid down the wall and sat on the cold floor, hugging my knees. The rain soaked into my clothes and skin but I could not feel it. All I could see
Chapter Ninety SixElena’s POVThe voice behind me did not sound rushed.It sounded pleased.My blood turned to ice.Found you.The darkness swallowed everything. The workers had scattered. Tools crashed to the floor. Someone screamed again near the entrance. My arm was locked in a grip that felt like steel.I twisted hard.“Let go of me!”The power cut had not been an accident. I knew that now. Too perfect. Too clean.The hand tightened.“You always struggled,” the woman behind me whispered. “Just like your mother.”That name again.Mother.My breath hitched. I kicked backward with everything in me. My heel hit a shin. The grip loosened for half a second and I ripped free and ran blindly into the dark.Someone else cursed.Footsteps chased me.I crashed into a table and nearly fell but I grabbed the edge and pushed myself forward, sprinting toward what I hoped was the back exit. My heart felt like it would tear straight out of my chest.“Elena!” a man shouted behind me. “Do not run!”
Elena’s POVThe moment Valerio said Italy, my chest tightened like someone had wrapped iron around my ribs.Tonight.That single word echoed in my head again and again. Tonight meant danger. Tonight meant war. Tonight meant the Russians were closer than anyone wanted to admit.I wanted to grab his hand. I wanted to beg him not to go. I wanted to scream that everything bad followed him wherever he stepped. But my mouth stayed sealed. Fear glued it shut.Brian stepped forward. Italy tonight? That is insane. You do not even know how deep this leak goes yet.Valerio did not look at him. I will know by the time I land.Sandra grabbed my arm. Elena do not let him leave like this. People do not just walk into Russian territory and come back breathing.Valerio finally turned his head. His gaze met mine again.I told you to go home he said quietly. This place is no longer safe for you.And you I asked softly my voice barely carrying. Are you safe anywhere?For the first time since I met him he
Chapter Ninety FourElena’s POVSophia’s lips trembled. Her mascara streaked down her cheeks. For the first time since I met her, she looked genuinely scared, as if she finally understood who she had provoked.I I did not mean she stuttered her voice cracking. Her eyes darted between Valerio and the police. I did not mean the car to hit the building. It got out of control. I panicked.Valerio did not blink. And.Sophia swallowed. Hard. I I was angry at her. I wanted to scare her a little. But I did not mean to hurt anyone. Please sir. Please I swear I did not.The policemen shifted uncomfortably. Even they could see the lie trembling under her words.Valerio stepped even closer. His shadow swallowed her again. He spoke slowly each word deliberate enough to peel her skin open.Say everything.Sophia burst into tears. Fine. Fine. Lucas said she needed a lesson. That she was ruining things. And the architect said she deserved punishment. And and I thought if I scared her she would just s
Chapter Ninety ThreeElena’s POVThe world was a blur of dust and broken wood when I opened my eyes again. My ears rang so loudly it felt like someone pressed metal against them. People were shouting. Someone was crying. Someone was calling my name. I tried to sit up but pain shot through my shoulder and I dropped back down with a gasp.What happened.The last thing I remembered was Sophia screaming outside, her car slamming into the half constructed wall, glass flying, then everything went dark.I blinked until shapes became clearer. Brian was on his knees beside me his hands shaking as he brushed dust from my face.Elena. Stay still. Do not move. You blacked out.His voice cracked at the end. Sandra hovered behind him breathing fast and wiping tears with the back of her hand.I pushed myself up slowly ignoring the burn in my ribs. Is anyone hurt.Brian nodded toward the workers who were being treated. Mostly bruises and cuts. No deaths. His voice softened. You scared me.I tried to
The hall was so bright and wide that Declan felt small just walking inside. A deep silence settled over the room as the elderly man with the golden embroidery lifted a hand, asking the guards to step aside. His voice had carried so firmly when he welcomed Declan that the words still echoed in Declan’s ears.Welcome the heir.Heir?He stood frozen, not sure whether to bow, kneel, or laugh out of confusion. His throat felt dry. His pulse raced. The man’s presence alone was enough to make his legs numb. A few of the guards wore swords…real swords with jeweled handles and all stared at him like he was something sacred.“Please,” the man said. “Come closer.”Declan forced his legs to move. He followed Ms. Sonia down the marble path until he stood just a few steps away from him. The old man studied his face slowly, almost tenderly, like he was trying to memorize him.“My name is His Royal Highness, Grandmaster Alexandra Knights” the man said. “And… I knew your grandmother well.”Declan sw







