Chapter 57

Chapter 57

The morning air was thick with tension as Erica and Julian pulled up to the secluded estate. It was one of Ophelia’s known safe houses, a sprawling property nestled deep in the woods on the outskirts of the city. They hadn’t expected to track her down so soon, but one of Julian’s informants had given them a lead that was too good to ignore.

Erica’s heart raced as she stepped out of the car, the weight of the gun strapped to her thigh a constant reminder of what lay ahead. She could feel the pulse of anticipation in her veins, a familiar sensation she had come to rely on when danger loomed close. Julian stood beside her, his eyes scanning the surroundings with the same focused intensity that mirrored her own.

"Do you think she’s really here?" Erica asked, her voice low as they approached the gate.

Julian’s jaw tightened. "If she’s smart, she won’t be. But we know Ophelia—she likes to play games."

Erica nodded, her mind already racing through the possibilities. Ophelia was a