CHAPTER 21
The moment I heard the second gunshot, I didn’t think–1 just acted. I threw one last glance at Marco’s unconscious form sprawled on the bed and bolted for the door. Whatever satisfaction I felt moments ago had vanished, replaced by an icy fear gripping my chest.
Blake was in trouble, and if I didn’t move fast, it might be too late.
The hallways were chaos. Goons in black suits darted back and forth, their faces. tense. I stayed in the shadows, careful not to draw attention to myself as I followed a group heading toward one of the rooms.
My heart pounded as I trailed behind them, trying to keep my breathing steady.
When they reached a door, one of the men kicked it open, and I ducked behind a corner. Peeking around, I saw the scene inside the room and felt my stomach drop.
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Blood splattered the walls, a metallic stench filling the air. Furniture was overturned, and in the middle of the chaos, I spotted a blonde wig on the floor.
Blake‘ s wig.
My vision blurred for a moment, panic. threatening to overwhelm me. I couldn‘ t afford to lose control now. Blake needed
- me.
I forced myself to move, creeping further down the hall, my senses on high alert. I turned a corner and felt a hand clamp. down on my arm, yanking me into the shadows.
I opened my mouth to scream, but the words died in my throat when I saw who it
was.
“Blake!” I gasped, taking in his pale face and the dark stain spreading across his
shirt. “You‘ re hurt-”
“Daphne, we have to go,” he rasped,
clutching his chest. “They‘ re everywhere.
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Gregor knows. This was a trap.”
I slipped his arm over my shoulder to support his weight. “We‘ re getting out of here,” I promised, my voice firm.
Blake shook his head weakly. “No, Gregor… he’s still alive. You can‘ t-”
“I don’t care about Gregor right now,” I snapped. “You‘ re bleeding. We need to get you somewhere safe.”
He tried to argue, but I wasn‘ t listening. I grabbed the weapon he had tucked in his waistband and held it steady, guiding him through the chaos as carefully as I could.
The hallways were alive with shouts and footsteps. It didn’t take long for Gregor’s
men to spot us.
“There they are!” someone shouted.
“Stay behind me,” I ordered Blake, raising the weapon as three men charged toward
- us.
The first one fell quickly, but the other two
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CHAPTER 21
weren’t as easy. My heart hammered as I fought them off, each shot reverberating through my chest like a drum. Blake leaned against the wall, his breathing labored, as I cleared a path for us.
We pushed forward, chaos erupting around us as other patrons fled, screaming and ducking for cover. The once–glamorous venue was now a battleground.
“Chlyrus,” I said into my earpiece, praying it was still connected. “I need you here.”
“I’m already on my way,” came his calm reply.
Minutes later, Chlyrus appeared through the smoke and chaos, his usually cool demeanor replaced with urgency. He grabbed Blake‘ s other arm and helped me guide him toward the exit.
“You need to get him out of here,” I told Chlyrus as we reached the door.
Chlyrus frowned. “What about you?”
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“I have unfinished business,” I said, my
voice hard.
Blake’s head lolled toward me. “Daphne… don’t. It’s dangerous to face him all
alone.”
I shook my head and assured him, “Go ahead. I’ll be fine on my. own.”
Chlyrus hesitated but nodded, dragging Blake toward safety.
As soon as they disappeared, I turned back into the chaos. My focus was razor–sharp now. I knew Gregor wouldn’t leave. without his men.
I made my way upstairs, weaving through the fleeing crowds and avoiding Marco‘ s goons. Finally, I spotted Gregor in the hallway, supported by two of his men. Blood stained his expensive suit, but he he was still alive, his cold eyes scanning the io chaos.
our I raised my weapon, my finger hovering
over the trigger.
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“This ends now, Gregor,” I muttered under my breath, taking aim.
Before I could fire, I felt something cold
press against the back of my head.
“Drop it,” a familiar voice ordered, low and commanding.
I froze, my blood running cold. Slowly, I turned my head to see Marco Salvani standing behind me, his expression unreadable.
“Marco,” I said, forcing my voice to remain steady.
“You ve been very busy tonight, Dorothy,” he said mockingly, his weapon still trained on me. “But the game‘ s over, Daphne.”
I swallowed hard, my mind racing for an
escape.
“H–how did you know?” I stuttered, trying
to stall.
“Let’s just say I have my sources,” Marco smirked, taking a step closer.
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now. Greger could respond, another voice cut
taking aim the tension.
uld fire, I go, Salvani.”
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