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CHAPTER THIRTY
Huling Na-update:
2025-03-24 16:30:00
Kaugnay na kabanata
THE DEBT OF DESIRE CHAPTER THIRTY- ONE
The explosion shocked the estate, knocking Isabella off her feet. The roar of flames consumed the air, drowning out the guards' screams as the east wing erupted in chaos. Smoke billowed through the hallways, suffocating and thick, turning the once-safe haven into a battlefield.Luca grabbed Isabella’s arm, yanking her up. “We need to move!”She coughed, her eyes watering from the acrid smoke. “Matteo—”“He’s safe! The doctor’s quarters are reinforced. But if we don’t get out of here, we won’t be.”Gunfire cracked through the air, and Luca pulled Isabella behind a marble pillar as bullets sprayed through the grand foyer. The enemy had breached the estate.“Lia,” Isabella whispered, her heart pounding. “She did this.”Luca reloaded his gun, his jaw clenched. “She played us. We underestimated her.”A figure emerged from the shadows at the top of the staircase, and Isabella’s breath caught in her throat. Lia stood there, her face illuminated by the flickering flames. She was unscathed, un
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-25THE DEBT OF DESIRE CHAPTER THIRTY- TWO
The world around them was chaos. Flames still licked at the remains of the estate, the smell of smoke and blood thick in the air. But for a brief moment, time seemed to stop as Isabella stared at Matteo’s fallen form, her heart hammering in her chest.Luca was already kneeling beside him, checking for a pulse. “He’s alive,” he announced, though his voice was tight with urgency. “But barely.”Relief flooded Isabella’s veins, but it was short-lived. Lia’s body lay lifeless at her feet, her expression frozen in shock. The woman who had nearly torn them apart, whose betrayal had sent them into this war, was finally gone. Yet, the danger wasn’t over.Luca’s grip tightened on Matteo’s arm. “We need to get him out of here now.”Gunfire still rang in the distance, the remnants of the attack lingering in the night. Reinforcements had arrived, pushing back the remaining enemy forces, but it was only a matter of time before another strike came. The war was far from won.Isabella swallowed hard,
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-25THE DEBT OF DESIRE CHAPTER THIRTY - THREE
The city skyline loomed in the distance, shrouded in a veil of darkness and smoke. The vehicle raced down the empty streets, the engine's hum the only sound breaking the tense silence inside. Isabella kept her eyes on Matteo, his face pale, his breathing shallow. Her fingers were still wrapped tightly around his, as if willing him to stay tethered to her."How much further?" she asked, her voice thick with anxiety.Luca, gripping the steering wheel with white knuckles, cast a glance in the rearview mirror. "Not long. Just hold on."The safe house was on the city's outskirts, an unassuming warehouse that had been converted into a secure hideout. It wasn’t the first time they’d used it as a retreat, but this time felt different. This time, Matteo’s life was hanging by a thread.As they approached, the large metal doors groaned open, revealing a dimly lit interior. Luca barely waited for the vehicle to stop before jumping out. "Get him inside!"Isabella and two of Luca’s men carefully li
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-29THE DEBT OF DESIRE CHAPTER THIRTY - FOUR
The air inside the safe house was thick with tension, the weight of impending battle pressing down on everyone. The distant sound of gunfire had yet to reach them, but they knew it was only a matter of time before their enemies came knocking.Isabella sat beside Matteo, his face pale and damp with sweat. His breathing had steadied slightly, but he remained unconscious. She ran a gentle hand over his bruised knuckles, feeling the roughness of his skin, a stark contrast to how he had always made her feel—safe, protected. But now, it was her turn to protect him.A soft knock at the door made her glance up. Luca stepped inside, his face lined with exhaustion, but his eyes sharp with determination. "They’re close," he said in a hushed tone.She swallowed hard. "How many?""Too many for comfort," Luca admitted, running a hand through his hair. "We’ve reinforced the perimeter, but we’re outnumbered. We need to be smart about this."Isabella nodded, standing. "I want to help."Luca exhaled sh
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-29THE DEBT OF DESIRE CHAPTER THIRTY- FIVE
The moment of respite was brief. The crackling of flames in the distance, the faint groans of wounded men, and the tension in the air told Isabella that the fight was far from over. Matteo was still weak, but his grip on her waist was firm, grounding her in the chaos.Luca approached, blood smeared across his cheek, his eyes scanning the battleground. “We need to move. Now.”Matteo straightened, wincing but refusing to falter. “What’s the situation?”Luca’s jaw tightened. “Moretti’s dead, but his men aren’t retreating. They’re fighting like rabid dogs. Someone else is pulling the strings.”Isabella’s stomach knotted. “What do you mean? If Moretti was their leader—”Luca shook his head. “He was a puppet. We’ve been fighting the wrong enemy.”A cold chill ran down Isabella’s spine. Matteo must have felt it too because his eyes darkened, his body stiffening beside her. “Who?” he demanded.Before Luca could answer, a voice echoed through the smoke and destruction.“Well, well. You’ve all
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-01THE DEBT OF DESIRE CHAPTER THIRTY - SIX
The tension in the air was suffocating. Matteo's gun lay discarded on the ground, a silent declaration of his choice. But Isabella saw the fire in his eyes. This wasn’t defeat—it was calculation.Riccardo’s smirk widened, pressing the barrel harder against Isabella’s temple. “Good boy,” he sneered. “Now, on your knees.”Matteo’s jaw tightened, his muscles flexing with the restraint it took to comply. He moved slowly, his gaze never leaving Isabella’s face. She could see it—the promise, the unspoken vow that this wasn’t the end. He would not let this stand.But Riccardo was no fool. He knew Matteo too well. “Luca, drop your gun, too.”Luca hesitated, his fingers tightening on the grip, but Matteo gave him a look. Reluctantly, he tossed his weapon aside, his teeth clenched in fury.Riccardo exhaled dramatically. “See how much easier things are when you listen?”Isabella could feel his breath against her neck, his grip possessive, as if he owned her. The thought made bile rise in her thr
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-01THE DEBT OF DESIRE CHAPTER THIRTY - SEVEN
The safe house was too quiet. Too still.Isabella paced the length of the dimly lit room, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Shadows danced on the walls, flickering in the candlelight, while the storm outside rattled the old windows. Matteo lay on the bed, his chest rising and falling steadily now, color slowly returning to his face.But her heart still thundered with fear.“Any word from Luca?” she asked, her voice hoarse from worry.“No,” Matteo rasped, his eyes barely open, but glinting with determination. “But we can’t wait for him forever.”Before Isabella could respond, thunder cracked, and the power flickered. For a moment, total darkness swallowed the room.Her breath caught in her throat.Then, a spark of light returned from the candle, casting Matteo’s face in soft, golden hues. He looked pale but alive—alive.Relief mixed with a rush of something else, something hotter and heavier, curling low in her belly. Maybe it was the adrenaline still coursing through her veins,
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-05THE DEBT OF DESIRE CHAPTER THIRTY- EIGHT
The rain hammered down like bullets as Isabella froze, her heart thudding painfully in her chest. Lia’s eyes gleamed with malice, her finger teasing the trigger of the gun aimed squarely at Isabella’s chest."You thought you could be rid of me so easily?" Lia sneered, her voice cold as steel. Water dripped from her hair, streaking her face, but her aim never wavered. "You underestimate me, Isabella."Matteo stepped forward, instinctively shielding Isabella. His jaw was tight, his body tense despite the apparent strain of his injuries. "Lia," he growled, "don’t do this.""Oh, Matteo," Lia replied, almost mockingly sweet. "Still the hero, even when you're bleeding and broken. How touching. But it’s too late for heroics. You took everything from me. Now I’ll return the favor."Her eyes flicked briefly to Luca, who had edged closer, his weapon at the ready. She caught the movement and fired a warning shot at his feet, forcing him back. "Ah, ah," she chided. "Don’t even think about it. I d
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-05
Pinakabagong kabanata
THE DEBT OF DESIRE CHAPTER FIFTY
The cold air sliced through the trees like a whisper of danger as Mateo stepped forward, the silence around him too loud to be ignored. The forest that once offered sanctuary now felt like a trap, and it was no illusion. His father stood before him—sharp-suited, eyes like flint, and a cruel smile carving his face."I always knew you were stubborn," his father said, his voice calm. "But chasing after that boy... did you think I wouldn't notice?"Mateo’s hand tightened around the gun at his hip. Isabella was just behind him, eyes wide with disbelief, her breath shallow."Where's Luca?" Mateo demanded, trying to mask the tremor in his voice.A low chuckle from the shadows answered him first. Then Elena stepped out beside Mateo’s father.Isabella gasped. "You... you betrayed us again?"Elena didn’t flinch. Her eyes, once full of warmth, now glinted with icy detachment. "You were never supposed to get this far. But I’ll admit... I almost believed you could change things, Mateo. Almost."Ma
THE DEBT OF DESIRE CHAPTER FORTY - NINE
The rain had started again, a slow drizzle that painted the world in shades of gray. Mateo stood at the edge of the clearing, eyes scanning the tree line as the scent of wet earth filled his lungs. Behind him, Isabella’s laughter rang softly through the cabin, a fading echo of the rare peace they had found.But peace never lasted.Elena burst through the door, her boots soaked, her face pale. “We have a problem.”Mateo turned instantly, his hand reaching for the gun on the counter. “What is it?”“Luca’s gone,” she said breathlessly. “He went to scout the east side of the ridge and hasn’t returned. It’s been hours.”Isabella stood, her face falling. “No… he wouldn’t just disappear.”Elena shook her head. “No signs of struggle. Nothing. But the tracks I found—they weren’t his alone. Someone else was out there.”Mateo’s jaw clenched. The storm had returned.“Gear up,” he ordered. “We go now.”The forest was darker than usual, shadows crawling like serpents through the underbrush. Isabell
THE DEBT OF DESIRE CHAPTER FORTY - EIGHT
The sun filtered through the dusty blinds of the safehouse, bathing the wooden floor in stripes of warm light. It was the kind of morning that promised peace, rare and fleeting in their world, but beautiful nonetheless. Mateo stirred in bed, the weight of Isabella’s head resting gently on his shoulder, her breath soft and even against his skin. For once, there were no gunshots, no sirens, no running.Just quiet.Mateo turned slightly to face her, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. She looked peaceful, her guard finally down. The constant tension that had lined her features in the past few weeks seemed to have melted away, if only temporarily. He kissed her forehead lightly, his chest tightening with an emotion he hadn’t dared name before.Love."You're staring," Isabella murmured without opening her eyes, her voice still thick with sleep.Mateo smiled. "How could I not? You're the only good thing in this madness."She opened her eyes slowly, a small smile spreading across h
THE DEBT OF DESIRE CHAPTER FORTY - SEVEN
The night had fallen softly over the secluded cabin, cradling it in shadows and silence. For once, there were no gunshots echoing in the distance, no tense footsteps crunching leaves outside. The world had taken a breath—and so had they.Inside, the fire crackled in the stone hearth, casting a warm glow over the rustic room. Mateo sat on the edge of the bed, his shirt open, revealing bruises fading into the tone of his skin. His fingers absentmindedly traced the old scar that ran along his ribs, a reminder of the battles they’d survived.Isabella stood by the window, her silhouette bathed in moonlight. The soft cotton of the oversized sweater she wore barely brushed her thighs. It had been his once. Now it looked better on her. She turned, eyes meeting his, and for a second, the world shrank to just the two of them."You’re thinking again," she said softly, moving toward him.Mateo smiled faintly, tired but present. "I’m always thinking. Especially when it’s quiet like this."She knelt
THE DEBT OF DESIRE CHAPTER FORTY - SIX
The forest had fallen quiet after the chaos of their near-capture. The moon hung low and full above them, casting a gentle silver light over the campsite Luca and Elena had managed to set up in a remote clearing. For the first time in days, there were no footsteps stalking them, no shadows whispering threats from the darkness. Just the soft rustling of the trees and the occasional crackle from the fire.Isabella sat by the fire, her knees drawn to her chest, eyes watching the flames dance. Her hair was tousled, her face tired, but there was a softness to her features tonight. The sharp edges of fear had dulled, replaced by a quiet, pensive calm.Mateo returned from the perimeter, his shoulders finally relaxed, the weight of constant vigilance momentarily eased. He saw her, silhouetted against the fire, and something inside him ached. They had both been holding on so tightly—too tightly. And now, in the lull, he felt the tremble of everything he’d held back.He sat beside her silently,
THE DEBT OF DESIRE CHAPTER FORTY - FIVE
The silence after his father’s voice was deafening. On the flickering screen, his father stood in a control room lined with monitors, his eyes sharp, unreadable.Mateo took a step forward, heart pounding. “You knew we were coming.”“Of course I did,” his father said calmly. “Everything you’ve done, every place you’ve run to, every person you’ve trusted—I’ve been watching. Waiting.”Elena slammed a fist against the control panel. “He’s bluffing.”But Mateo wasn’t so sure. His father had always been a step ahead. What if this entire escape, their rebellion, had played right into his hands?Isabella pulled Mateo back from the screen. “We don’t have time to let him play mind games.”Luca was already checking weapons, his shoulder wound hastily bandaged. “We need to move. Now. He knows we’re here.”Elena hesitated. “There’s a secondary tunnel, off the east wing. It leads to the old lab where they did the original trials.”Mateo looked at her. “Why would we go there?”Elena met his gaze, so
THE DEBT OF DESIRE CHAPTER FORTY- FOUR
The storm rolled in like a wild beast, winds snapping through the forest canopy as lightning clawed at the sky. Rain fell in slanting sheets, cold and relentless, masking their movements as they pushed deeper into enemy territory.They didn’t speak much. Words felt too heavy now, too fragile against the weight of what was coming. But every glance between them — every brief touch of reassurance — built something stronger than fear: resolve.Mateo led the way, soaked to the bone, face cut and bruised, but his eyes were alive with a fire that refused to die. Isabella stayed close at his side, their fingers brushing from time to time, grounding each other in the storm of their fate. Elena, still a shadow of mystery and grit, navigated the forest with uncanny precision, her knife always at the ready. Luca covered their backs, eyes sharp and unwavering, pain radiating from his wounded shoulder, but ignored.They were running toward danger, not away from it.“Elena,” Mateo called over the roa
THE DEBT OF DESIRE CHAPTER FORTY - THREE
The forest held its breath.Mateo’s father stood before them, a cruel twist of a smile carved into his face, as if he’d been waiting years for this very moment. Shadows from the gnarled trees clung to his figure like loyal sentries. Around them, his men emerged from the thicket, weapons raised, closing off every possible escape route. The cold bite of inevitability pressed against Luca’s chest, but he refused to let panic settle."Nowhere left to run," Mateo’s father sneered, his voice like gravel over broken glass.Mateo’s jaw tightened, his body a coil of restrained fury. "You never gave me a choice," he growled, stepping in front of Isabella instinctively. His father’s eyes flicked to the movement, cold amusement dancing in their depths."No, son," he replied darkly. "You just never understood the choices that mattered."Elena’s gaze swept the clearing, calculating. She stepped slightly to the left, eyes catching Luca’s. A silent exchange passed between them, a spark of unspoken str
THE DEBT OF DESIRE CHAPTER FORTY - TWO
Silence hung heavy in the air as Mateo's words echoed off the cavern walls. "It’s him. My father."Elena's breath caught in her throat. Luca gripped the hilt of his blade tightly, his knuckles white. Isabella stepped back, her eyes wide with disbelief, flicking between Mateo and the shadowed figure that had haunted them from the very beginning.Mateo's father emerged from the shadows, a cruel smirk curling his lips. His eyes, dark and cold, scanned the group with a familiarity that made Isabella's skin crawl."I always wondered how long it would take you to figure it out, son," he sneered, his voice a venomous blend of mockery and pride. "You’ve grown, but not enough to outsmart me."Mateo’s jaw clenched. His heart pounded like war drums in his chest, every beat roaring in his ears. Memories flooded him—memories of a father who had once held his hand and taught him to fight, only to vanish without a trace, leaving behind a hollow ache that never healed."You were dead," Mateo growled,
