THE EDGE OF SACRIFICE

Isabella's POV With hands soaked with Enzo's blood, the cold air hurts my face as I try to grasp his motionless corpse. Every breath is a breathless gulp; I can hardly see through the tears running down my cheeks. The fight has quieted around me, but the threat hasn't passed. Though fractured and fragmented, the council's influence remains a shadow that won't let go."Enzo," I murmured with a shaking voice. "Stay with me. You assured me.His eyes fly awake, the fire in them muted by suffering. "I... I'm here," he rasps, his voice hardly heard. "You... cannot get rid of me that readily.""Good," I croak out and force a faint grin across my tears. Not ready to let you go, hence.Trying to stop the bleeding, I gently press down on the cut on his chest. It's awful, too bad. I had to pull him out of this place. I'm supposed to—"Emilia," Vincent's voice pierres the mist. He is standing above us, his face pallid and contrived. "We must relocate. Just now."I can't," I say, my despair explo

Last Updated : 2025-03-11

WHISPERS OF BETRAYALS

Isabella's POV Through the gaps in the boarded-off windows, the weak light of dawn spills pale streaks across the room. It's frigid, too frigid, and the quiet weighs down on me. Enzo still is unconscious; his respiration is shallow but consistent. From his perspective, I have not changed. Not able to. I see blood every time I close my eyes and feel the terror wriggling at my chest."Emilia," Vincent's voice breaks through the quiet, low and apprehensive. Arranging his arms over the doorway, he stands there. "You need to relax."Not turning my eyes away from Enzo, I respond, "I cannot." He needs me."He needs you strong," Vincent says, approaching. His face is drawn, weariness carved on every line. You two do.I shake my head, my body not releasing the tightness. "We have no time for leisure. Still out there they are. They will show up for us."They will," he says, his voice dark. "Which is why we have to get ready. We have to be ready for whatever is to come.I know he's right, but t

Last Updated : 2025-03-11

GLIMPSES OF THE PAST

Isabella's POVThe universe narrows to a pinpoint as the figure walks out of the shadows, their words piercing through the tension like a sword. The face before me is familiar—too familiar. Memories pour over me like a tsunami, smothering and overpowering.“It’s been a long time, Isabella,” they murmur, their lips twisting into a smile that doesn’t reach their eyes. “I’d say it’s good to see you, but… we both know that would be a lie.”“Adrian,” I murmur, my chest constricting. The word tastes like ash on my tongue, a reminder of broken promises and shattered trust.Enzo shifts alongside me, his body rigid despite the sorrow written over his features. “Who the hell is this?” he demands, his voice low and menacing.“An old… acquaintance,” I answer, forcing myself to stay cool. My fingers tighten on my weapon, every muscle in my body begging to act, to move. But Adrian’s eyes are on me, icy and uncompromising, and I know one false move might be disastrous.“Acquaintance?” Adrian echoes,

Last Updated : 2025-03-18

BETWEEN FIRE AND ASH

Enzo’s POVThe silence that descends after the conflict is deafening, the kind that suffocates. Every breath burns, every muscle rebels, but I force myself to stay upright. Blood flows from a wound I can’t afford to recognize. Not yet. Isabella stands beside me, her eyes scouring the room for threats, her body stiff and ready to spring. The thrill hasn’t gone off, and neither has the risk.“Isabella,” I say, my voice scratchy. “Are you okay?”She nods, but her eyes don’t contact mine. “I’m fine,” she lies. I don’t push it. We both know what fine really means in our environment.The bodies surrounding us are a sad reminder of what we’ve done—and what we still have to accomplish. I glance at Adrian’s still figure, a bitter taste rising in my throat. His betrayal runs deep, piercing through years of history and trust. I want to feel relieved that it’s finished, that he can’t hurt us anymore. But all I feel is the weight of another adversary defeated, and the many more waiting in the wing

Last Updated : 2025-03-18

A DANCE WITH SHADOWS

Isabella's POVThe chamber is saturated with the aroma of gunpowder and sweat, the air crackling with tension. We’re crouched behind what remains of the toppled table, using it as a makeshift shield. Bullets continue to tear through the air, splintering wood and smashing glass. My heart pounds in my chest, every beat a reminder that we’re teetering on the edge.“On my count,” Enzo murmurs, his voice low and powerful. “We move.”I nod, the weight of the moment pushing down on me. I can see the tiredness in his eyes, the lines carved deep into his face. But there’s also determination—a fire that refuses to be quenched. It mirrors my own.“Three… two… one… go!”We move as one, breaking from cover and firing back at our attackers. The world narrows to a blur of motion—dodging, weaving, every stride a fight to stay alive. The shadows around us seem to come alive, closing in like animals scenting blood.“Isabella, left!” Vincent’s shout cuts through the tumult, and I turn just in time to se

Last Updated : 2025-03-19

A BREATH AWAY FROM DARKNESS

Enzo’s POVThe blood on my hands is warm, too warm. It’s Isabella's blood, and no matter how strongly I push down, it won’t stop. I feel like I’m drowning. Every breath I take is a battle, every heartbeat a reminder of what I stand to lose.“Stay with me,” I plead, my voice raspy and urgent. “Don’t you dare leave me.”Her eyes flutter open, the light in them dim. “Enzo,” she says, hardly a murmur. “I’m… trying.”“Try harder,” I snap, my hands quivering. “You don’t get to quit. Not now.”I can’t lose her. Not like this. The struggle still rages around us, but it feels distant, inconsequential. All that matters is her—keeping her alive. I grit my teeth and look up, scouring the crowd for Vincent. He’s there, his movements a blur as he fights off the last attackers. We’re losing ground. Fast.“Vincent!” I shout, the word tearing from my throat. “We need to get out of here!”He doesn’t hesitate. A fast strike takes down his opponent, and he’s by my side in seconds. His eyes flick to Isabe