Chapter 11: Midnight Lies

I stood at the dock's edge, gripping my phone tightly. The midnight waves lapped gently against the wooden boards beneath me, while the moon cast a soft, silvery light over the water. The air was thick with the scent of salt and something else—something metallic, hinting at danger lurking nearby. 

Julian was late.

Dominic had wanted to accompany me, but I had managed to slip away before he could intervene. If Julian had any connection to Thea’s disappearance, I was determined to uncover the truth myself.

Taking a deep breath, I scanned the dark surroundings. The docks extended into the shadows, eerily quiet except for the occasional creak of boats swaying at their moorings.

Then I heard footsteps.

I turned quickly.

A figure stepped out of the darkness.

It was Julian Hale.

He looked leaner than I remembered, his sharp features obscured in shadow, and his once-boyish charm now replaced with a harder edge. His dark hair was longer, tousled by the wind, but it was his eyes that startled me—haunted and cautious.

“Elena,” he said softly, halting a few feet away.

I crossed my arms defiantly. “Enough with the pleasantries. Where’s my sister?”

His jaw clenched. “She’s not safe.”

A chill settled in my stomach. “Tell me something I don’t already know.”

Julian glanced around, his body tense. “I shouldn’t be here.”

I stepped forward. “Then why did you come?”

A muscle twitched in his jaw. “Because I owed you that much.”

My heart raced. “Julian, if you have any information about Thea, you need to share it. Who took her?”

He hesitated.

That was all the confirmation I needed.

“You know,” I whispered. “You know who has her.”

His silence spoke volumes.

I grabbed his arm urgently. “Julian, please—”

Suddenly, the screech of tires pierced the night.

I turned just in time to see black SUVs racing toward us.

Julian swore. “Run.”

But it was too late.

The doors flew open, and men in dark suits poured out, guns drawn.

Julian pushed me behind him. “Get down!”

Then—a gunshot.

Pain erupted in my shoulder as I collapsed to the ground.

****

I hardly took in the chaos that erupted around me. Julian retaliated, pulling a gun from a place I hadn’t noticed before. Gunfire erupted, accompanied by shouts and the heavy sound of boots pounding on the docks. Blood trickled down my arm, warm and slick. 

I attempted to move, but my vision swam. Then, I heard a sound that stood out from the rest—an engine revving and tires screeching. 

And then came Dominic’s voice. “Get your hands off her.” 

I forced my eyes open just in time to see Dominic emerge from a sleek black sports car, his weapon drawn. His face was a mask of icy rage, exuding an aura of danger. His security team flooded the area, exchanging gunfire with the assailants. 

Julian seized my wrist. “We need to—” 

A bullet grazed his leg, causing him to falter. Dominic was there in a flash. His fist connected with Julian’s jaw, sending him crashing to the ground. 

I gasped. “Dominic—” 

He cupped my face, his eyes filled with anger. “Are you hurt?” 

I winced. “Shot. Shoulder.” 

His expression darkened. “We have to get you out of here.” 

Julian groaned, wiping blood from his lip. “She’s safer with me.” 

Dominic shot him a lethal glare. “You led her into a trap.” 

Julian gritted his teeth. “I warned her.” 

Dominic tightened his grip on his gun. “You think that makes you a hero?” 

Julian let out a sharp breath. “You’re wasting time.” 

In the distance, sirens wailed. The attackers had retreated, but they wouldn’t be gone for long. Without hesitation, Dominic scooped me up, lifting me effortlessly into his arms. 

I barely had a moment to comprehend what was happening before he thrust me into his car. 

Julian struggled to his feet. “I’ll be in touch.” 

Then, he vanished into the darkness.

****

Dominic’s penthouse was eerily quiet, the city skyline sprawling endlessly beyond the glass panels. He had driven us here without a word, his jaw clenched and knuckles pale against the steering wheel. Now, as I settled onto the couch with my shoulder bandaged, I finally broke the stillness. 

“You’re upset.” 

Dominic stood by the window, his back turned to me. “That’s putting it mildly.” 

I swallowed hard. “Dominic—” 

He pivoted, his eyes aflame. “You ignored my instructions.” 

I tensed. “I don’t follow your commands.” 

His lips twisted into a smirk. “Clearly. And look where that has led you.” 

I shot him a defiant glare. “Julian had information.” 

“Julian is a traitor.” His tone was frigid. “Do you think I’m unaware of who he is? He was working for my father before he vanished. And now, he conveniently reappears just as your sister goes missing?” 

A shiver coursed through me. 

“You suspect he’s involved?” 

Dominic sighed, raking a hand through his hair. “I believe he knows more than he’s letting on.” 

I paused. “Then we have to track him down.” 

Dominic’s jaw tightened. “We will.” 

I scrutinized him. “You’re not just upset about what happened tonight.” 

His gaze flickered to me. 

I pressed on. “What are you holding back?” 

A muscle in his jaw twitched. Then he stepped closer, retrieving something from his pocket. 

A small, bloodstained note. 

My breath caught in my throat. 

It had been hidden in my jacket, unnoticed until this moment. 

Dominic handed it to me. 

Just one sentence. 

Your mother started this. Now you’ll pay the price. 

The room seemed to tilt. 

I looked at Dominic, my heart racing. 

“My mother?” 

His expression was inscrutable. “It’s time you learned the truth, Elena.” 

I clutched the note tightly. 

One thing was certain—this was not merely about me or Thea. 

This was a conflict that had begun long before my existence. 

A conflict my mother had been involved in. 

And now, I was the next target.