Under attack

A sharp, blaring alarm shattered the thick tension in the room. The sudden noise sent a jolt through Serena, her body snapping to alert as flashing red lights filled the study.

Lucian and Enzo stiffened instantly, their sharp gazes flicking toward the doorway just as it burst open.

One of Lucian’s men rushed in and his face was pale with urgency.

“Boss! We’re under attack!”

The words barely left his lips before the distant sound of gunfire echoed through the halls and Serena’s pulse spiked.

She had grown up in this world, had witnessed the violence that came with it, but being in the heart of an attack and trapped in enemy territory, was something else entirely.

Lucian moved first, he was already pulling a gun from his waistband as he turned to Enzo.

“How many?”

“An entire fucking army,” the soldier panted, clutching his rifle. “They breached the outer gates. We’re holding them off, but they’re closing in.”

Lucian’s jaw tightened when Enzo exhaled a low curse, already reaching for his weapon. “Looks like someone got tired of waiting to take a shot at us.”

More gunshots rang out, closer this time.

Lucian turned to Serena, his eyes dark with warning. “Stay here.”

She scoffed, her nerves barely contained. “And be a sitting duck? No, thanks.”

His gaze flickered with something she couldn't read, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he stepped closer, lowering his voice. “You’re not equipped for this, princess. Stay Here.”

Then, without another word, he and Enzo moved. They disappeared into the hallway with lethal precision that showed they were used to this type of attacks. 

Serena stood frozen, her mind was at war. She hated taking orders. But she wasn’t stupid. She wasn't charging into a full-blown attack without a weapon. That was suicide.

She wrapped her arms around herself, her heart hammering as distant shouts filled the air. She had never felt more helpless.

And all of a sudden, the door slammed open and a man lunged at her. Serena’s instincts kicked in just as he reached for her.

She ducked, spinning away from his grasp, but he was fast. He caught her by the arm, yanking her back.

Every lesson her father had forced into her mind came rushing back and she fought. She twisted sharply, driving her elbow into his ribs. He grunted but didn’t let go.

She went for his throat next, her nails raking against his skin and finally her knee coming up to slam between his legs, right in his balls. That got him.

The man cursed, stumbling back just enough for her to grab a heavy paperweight from the desk which she swung at him. The impact cracked against his temple, and he crumpled with a strangled groan.

Serena stood there, panting with her entire body shaking. “Holy shit” 

The reality of what just happened hit her like a freight train. She had just fought off an intruder.

But there wasn’t time to process it she didn't even want to know if the man was alive. Gunfire continued to ring through the halls, and the sharp scent of smoke and gunpowder filled the air.

She had to find Lucian. So Without thinking, she ran.

Her bare feet pounded against the cold floors as she weaved through the hallways with her breath ragged. When she turned a corner, she found him.

Lucian stood in the middle of the chaos, two guns in his hands, as he fired precise, calculated shots.

Two men dropped at his feet, lifeless.

He barely spared them a glance before he turned, his sharp gaze landing on her. “I told you to stay put.”

Serena ignored the fury in his voice. “And let some bastard slit my throat? No, thanks.”

Lucian’s lips pressed into a thin line, but there was no time to argue. He grabbed her wrist, pulling her behind him as they navigated through the mansion.

The air was thick with smoke and gunfire. Bodies littered the floors. Some were his men. Others weren’t. Her stomach churned as they stepped over them. 

Lucian led her down a flight of stairs, pushing through a heavy door that revealed a dimly lit underground corridor.

Inside, Enzo and several other men were already waiting.

They stood around a massive metal hatch embedded into the floor. It was a hidden escape route.

Enzo’s gaze flicked to Serena as they approached. His smirk was still in place, but his eyes were sharp and assessing. “Looks like the princess survived.”

Serena scowled. “Barely.”

Lucian didn’t waste time. He pressed a button on the wall, and with a heavy groan, the metal hatch slid open, revealing a narrow passageway leading downward. There was a soft, rhythmic hum that echoed from below.

Serena’s brows furrowed as a submarine came into view. 

Lucian motioned for the men to move. They filed in quickly, disappearing into the passage.

Enzo followed next, pausing just long enough to shoot her a wink before slipping below.

Lucian was the last to move, his fingers curling around her wrist. “You’re with me.”

Serena had no choice but to follow.

The moment they were inside, the hatch sealed behind them, locking them into a tight metal chamber. Lucian led her through a short corridor before they entered the main area of the submarine. Everything was sleek steel and flashing controls. The engine rumbled to life beneath them. Serena’s pulse was still racing when they begun moving.

Lucian exhaled slowly, finally turning to her with that unreadable gaze.

“Looks like I spoke too soon.” His lips curled into something close to a smirk. “Seems you won’t be leaving in a body bag after all.” Serena swallowed hard, her body still trembling from adrenaline. She was a part of this war now.