The plane continued to soar through the night sky, leaving behind the wreckage of the helicopter that had nearly sealed their fate. The tension in the cabin was palpable, the silence heavy with unanswered questions. Ashley’s mind raced, replaying the events of the past few minutes over and over again. Who had fired that missile? And why? Amelia remained huddled close to Ashley, her breath shallow as she tried to calm herself. The terror of their narrow escape still gripped her, and Ashley could feel her sister’s fear as if it were her own. But amidst the fear, there was also a flicker of hope. They were still alive, and for now, that was enough.Jackson’s voice came over the intercom again, his tone measured but laced with an underlying tension. “We’re clear for now, but we need to make an emergency landing. This plane wasn’t built for dogfights, and I’m not risking another encounter.”Ashley nodded, even though she knew Jackson couldn’t see her. “Where will we land?”“There’s a smal
The night seemed darker as the minutes ticked by, each second pulling Ashley deeper into a world she never imagined she’d be part of. The cold metal of the chair she sat on seeped through her clothes, but it was the icy fear in her heart that truly chilled her. Across the table, Victor and Jackson continued to discuss their next move, but Ashley’s mind was elsewhere.Amelia sat close by, her eyes glazed with exhaustion and fear. Ashley reached out, taking her sister’s hand in hers, offering what little comfort she could. They had been through so much already, but she feared the worst was still to come.Victor’s voice cut through her thoughts. “We have to assume Adonis knows you’re alive. He’ll double his efforts to find you now that you’ve slipped through his fingers.”Ashley nodded, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. “What’s our next step? We can’t just keep running.”Victor leaned forward, his sharp eyes locking onto hers. “No, you can’t. But you also can’t face Adonis
The car ride back from Nikolai Petrov’s fortress was tense, silence hanging heavy in the air. Victor sat in the front seat, his eyes fixed on the road ahead, while Jackson kept a vigilant watch on their surroundings. Ashley and Amelia were in the back, the reality of their situation weighing on them like an anchor.Amelia leaned into Ashley, her voice barely a whisper. “Do you think we made the right decision?”Ashley’s mind raced with the implications of their agreement. Nikolai’s help would be invaluable, but his price—a debt to be collected when he saw fit—was a sword hanging over their heads. Still, they had no other choice. With Adonis hunting them down, they needed every advantage they could get.“We didn’t have a choice,” Ashley replied, her voice firm. “Nikolai’s our best shot at surviving this. We’ll deal with the consequences when the time comes.”Amelia nodded, though her expression remained troubled. “I just hope we’re strong enough to face what’s coming.”Ashley squeezed
The cold night air bit at their skin as they pushed through the thick forest. Every snap of a twig, every rustle in the bushes felt like a harbinger of doom. Ashley gripped Amelia’s hand tightly, guiding her sister through the dark terrain, while Victor and Jackson scouted ahead, ever vigilant.Their flight from the compromised safe house had been harrowing, and the reality of their situation was beginning to settle in. They were hunted, and the shadows that followed them were closing in fast. “Where are we going?” Amelia whispered, her voice trembling.Victor turned back briefly, his eyes scanning the area before answering. “There’s another safe house, deeper in the forest. It’s isolated, not even Nikolai knows about it. We’ll be safe there—for a while.”Ashley’s mind raced. If Victor had a hidden safe house that even Nikolai Petrov didn’t know about, it meant one of two things: either Victor didn’t trust Nikolai, or he was smart enough to anticipate every possible betrayal. She hop
Ashley’s heart nearly stopped as Adonis stepped into the cabin, his presence filling the small space with a suffocating dread. His eyes, dark and cold, locked onto hers, and for a brief moment, the world around them ceased to exist. It was just the two of them, caught in a silent battle of wills.Victor and Jackson reacted instantly, their guns trained on Adonis, but he didn’t flinch. His calm, almost bored expression remained unchanged as if he expected nothing less.“Put the guns down,” Adonis ordered, his voice carrying a deadly calm that sent a shiver down Ashley’s spine.Victor hesitated, his finger hovering over the trigger. But Adonis’s eyes never left Ashley, a silent message passing between them.“If you think I’m letting her go, you’re mistaken,” Victor said, his voice hard and unyielding. “You’ve lost, Adonis. It’s over.”Adonis’s lips curled into a smirk, a dark amusement in his eyes. “You think this is over?” His gaze shifted to Victor, his expression turning icy. “This i
The night was long and unforgiving as Ashley cradled Amelia’s lifeless body. The world around her seemed to blur, the weight of her grief pressing down on her chest until it was hard to breathe. Amelia’s blood stained Ashley’s hands, a cruel reminder of the life that had just slipped through her fingers.In the distance, the sound of approaching sirens pierced the night, but it was too late. Too late to save Amelia, too late to undo the horror that had just unfolded. Ashley’s tears mixed with the blood on her hands as she rocked back and forth, whispering words of comfort that her sister could no longer hear.“I’m so sorry, Amelia. I’m so sorry.”But no apology could bring her back.Victor and Jackson, bruised and battered, had been forced to watch in helpless silence as Adonis took everything from Ashley. Now, as the law enforcement vehicles pulled up to the cabin, they moved quickly, trying to help Ashley to her feet. But she was numb to their touch, numb to the world around her.“A
Ashley sat in the backseat of the SUV as it wound its way through the dense forest. Her thoughts drifted between the unbearable pain of losing Amelia and the seething rage she harbored toward Adonis. Every passing second was a reminder of what she had lost, but also of the mission that now consumed her entirely. She clenched her fists, feeling the raw skin under her nails, but the physical pain was nothing compared to the storm inside her.Jackson drove in silence, casting worried glances at her through the rearview mirror. He knew Ashley was on the edge—her grief was a fire, and the flames of revenge were pushing her further into a dangerous, unpredictable place. Victor sat in the passenger seat, his mind busy formulating a plan, trying to keep them all alive. But the silence was heavy, filled with everything that hadn’t been said yet.The SUV veered off the main road, bouncing along a narrow, overgrown trail that led to the cabin Jackson had mentioned. As they approached, the dense
Ashley watched the sun rise from the front porch of the cabin, its warm, golden rays filtering through the dense trees. The soft chirping of birds was a stark contrast to the violence and chaos swirling in her mind. She felt a strange sense of calm, almost as if her body knew this was the quiet before everything fell apart. The peace of the forest was deceptive, a fragile illusion that she knew could be shattered at any moment.Her thoughts drifted back to Amelia—her sister, her confidante, and the one person who had always stood by her side. The image of Amelia’s lifeless body haunted her relentlessly, pushing her deeper into her own anguish. How had everything gone so horribly wrong? She had come to this world of darkness and deceit to save her sister, only to lose her in the most tragic way possible.But as painful as it was, Ashley knew she couldn’t afford to lose herself in grief. Amelia would have wanted her to keep fighting, to stay strong and see this through to the end. Adoni
The sun was barely peeking over the horizon when Ashley awoke, her body stiff from the restless sleep. Amelia was still curled up beside her, sleeping deeply after the harrowing events of the night before. Demon was outside, sharpening a blade, his expression hard as he prepared for the inevitable confrontation with Adonis.Ashley sat up slowly, her mind still racing with thoughts of what lay ahead. The peace they had found in the small cabin felt fragile, like a thin veil stretched over a storm waiting to break. She knew it was only a matter of time before Adonis found them—and when he did, there would be no turning back.She quietly stepped outside, the crisp morning air biting at her skin. Demon glanced up from his work but said nothing as she approached him. His silence was heavy, but it wasn’t unfriendly. It was the quiet of a man who knew the weight of the fight that lay ahead.“We don’t have much time,” he finally said, his voice low and grave. “Adonis will come for us soon.”A
The silence that followed Adonis’s departure was thick, weighted with the echoes of the battle that had just transpired. Ashley stood frozen in place, her heart pounding in her chest as she watched the shadows swallow Adonis whole. His dark words lingered in the air, like a storm cloud threatening to return.Amelia lowered the gun slowly, her hands shaking as the adrenaline that had fueled her courage began to fade. She had never held a weapon before, let alone pointed one at a man like Adonis. Her knees buckled slightly, but before she could fall, Ashley rushed forward and wrapped her arms around her sister.“It’s over,” Ashley whispered, her voice thick with emotion. She wanted to believe it, but deep down, she knew Adonis’s words carried a dangerous truth. This wasn’t over, not by a long shot.Amelia buried her face in Ashley’s shoulder, her body trembling from head to toe. “I didn’t know what else to do,” she admitted in a shaky breath. “I couldn’t let him hurt you.”“You did what
Demon and Adonis clashed like two opposing forces of nature, their bodies moving with deadly precision. Each blow was filled with years of unspoken rage, resentment, and betrayal. The sounds of their fists meeting skin echoed through the forest, and Ashley watched helplessly as her worst fears began to unfold before her eyes.Amelia clung to Ashley’s arm, shaking. "Ashley, we have to do something! They’re going to kill each other!" Her voice trembled, but Ashley’s mind was racing too fast for words. She couldn’t pull her eyes away from the violent whirlwind before her. Every fiber of her being wanted to scream, wanted to run between them and make them stop. But how?Adonis had always been an enigma, a man who dominated the world around him with cruelty, power, and an iron will. But now, seeing him like this—engaged in a primal, bloody fight with the only person he’d ever trusted—shattered something inside Ashley. She had once thought there was more to Adonis, a hidden vulnerability be
Chapter 98: A Trap of FateThe air crackled with tension as Adonis descended the hill, his cold, dark gaze locked on Ashley. There was something terrifying in his calmness, as though he had expected this chase to end here all along. Ashley’s breath hitched, her entire body frozen in place, despite Demon’s command to run. But where would she go? The forest was vast, but Adonis was always a step ahead, always finding her no matter how far she ran. “Move!” Demon growled through gritted teeth, his gun trained on Adonis. His voice snapped Ashley out of her shock. She grabbed Amelia’s hand, pulling her sister behind her as they tried to edge farther down the incline. “Run, Ashley!” Amelia urged, her voice trembling with fear, but it was Demon who answered, his voice low and dangerous. “He won’t stop unless you face him.”Ashley swallowed hard, her heart racing as she glanced back at Adonis. He had paused midway down the hill, his piercing gaze tracking their every movement. His lips curle
The tension in the cabin thickened as the three prepared to leave. The forest outside remained eerily quiet, the early morning light casting long shadows across the trees. The cold air bit at Ashley's skin, but the chill she felt wasn’t just from the temperature. Something felt off. The uneasy silence gnawed at her nerves, every second stretching painfully thin. Amelia had stayed quiet since their conversation, her face a mask of worry. Demon moved with purpose, checking their supplies and ensuring they left no trace behind. He was methodical, calm, but there was a storm brewing behind his dark eyes. Ashley couldn’t shake her sister’s warning from earlier—trust was a fragile thing, and in their world, it could shatter in an instant. She had seen Demon’s loyalty to Adonis firsthand, but she had also seen the cracks in his resolve. He had helped them this far, yet the lingering question remained: would he continue to protect them when faced with the full force of Adonis’s wrath?The c
The morning light filtered through the cracks in the old cabin’s walls, casting soft shadows on the floor. The air was cool and still, as if the woods themselves were holding their breath, waiting for the next move. Ashley lay awake, staring at the ceiling, her thoughts racing. She had barely slept, too haunted by everything that had happened.Next to her, Amelia stirred in her sleep, her face soft and peaceful for the first time in what felt like days. Ashley watched her sister for a moment, a surge of protectiveness welling up inside her. Amelia had been through so much—caught in a whirlwind of violence and betrayal that neither of them had asked for.And then there was the baby. Ashley’s hand instinctively moved to her stomach, her fingers gently pressing against the small swell. The baby was a part of her now, a tiny life growing inside her, a symbol of everything she wanted to protect. But it also tied her to Adonis in a way she couldn’t escape. No matter how far she ran, the con
The forest surrounding the clearing was eerily silent, the only sound being the crunch of leaves and twigs beneath their feet as Ashley, Amelia, and Demon hurried through the darkness. The adrenaline still coursed through Ashley’s veins, her body on high alert as she glanced behind her, half expecting more of Adonis’s men to appear out of the shadows.Demon moved quickly ahead of them, his gun drawn and eyes sharp as he navigated the dense trees. The tension in his body was palpable, and Ashley couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that lingered in the air. They had survived the attack, but the danger was far from over.Amelia’s hand tightened around Ashley’s arm, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she struggled to keep up. “How much longer?” she whispered, her voice trembling with fear.Demon’s voice cut through the silence. “Not far. There’s an old cabin deeper in the woods. We’ll be safe there for the night.”Ashley frowned, her mind racing. A cabin in the woods? It sounded too good
The drive away from the café was tense and silent, the only sound being the dull hum of the car engine and the occasional clicking of Demon’s fingers tapping the steering wheel. Ashley sat in the backseat with Amelia, her heart pounding in her chest, every muscle in her body wound tight with anxiety. They were speeding toward an unknown future, running from a man who would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. Ashley’s mind raced, trying to grasp the gravity of the situation. Demon had made a bold move by standing up to Anton, and now they were out of time. Anton had seen her, and he knew about the baby. Whether Demon believed Anton would keep quiet or not, Ashley knew better. Adonis would find out, and when he did, he’d come for her with everything he had.Amelia’s trembling hand squeezed Ashley’s, pulling her from her thoughts. “What if he already knows?” Amelia whispered, her voice laced with fear. “What if Anton told him?”“We don’t have time to think about that right now,” Ashl
Demon stood at the entrance of the café, his tall frame casting a dark shadow over the table where Ashley and Amelia sat. His expression was unreadable, his intense gaze fixed on Amelia. Ashley’s pulse quickened as tension built in the small space, the air thick with uncertainty and unease.Amelia’s eyes flickered with a mix of relief and fear as she locked eyes with Demon. There was no denying the love between them, but the danger that surrounded their relationship loomed like a dark cloud. Ashley could sense it too—an unspoken weight hanging between the three of them.Demon finally broke the silence, his voice low but steady. “We need to talk.”Ashley’s muscles tensed. She wasn’t sure if Demon was here as their protector or if he was still bound by his loyalty to Adonis. She didn’t trust him—not completely. But Amelia’s life, and now her own, was entangled with his.“What’s going on, Demon?” Amelia asked, her voice barely above a whisper, fear lacing every word.Demon took a step cl