All Chapters of ONE NIGHT FOREVER : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

The enormous gates clanged shut behind us, enclosing us in Damien's estate, a chilly, intimidating steel and stone building that looked like a fortress from another universe against the foggy woodland. Only the constant patter of rain falling from the trees shattered the stillness that pervaded the air.As we exited the pilfered vehicle, Vanessa moved uncomfortably next to me. She said, searching the tall walls and security cameras positioned in each corner, "This place looks like it belongs in a spy thriller." "Are we now in prison?"As cautious as ever, Kyle slung the duffel bag of supplies over his shoulder. "It seems as though we are entering a trap."Damien gestured for us to follow him, ignoring their remarks. His wide shoulders were stiff, and he was always looking around the edge. Even though he was back in charge, his attitude had changed to one that was more sinister and deadly."Stay close," he said in a tight voice. We will be secure inside.With my feet firmly planted on

Tension crackled in the broken control room, as the smell of gunpowder and burning rubble filled the air. Like a dark queen asserting her kingdom, Claire stood at the edge of the devastation, her face shining with victory. Behind her, a resolute wall of firepower and strength was erected by guys with heavy weapons.Damien's hands clenched around his weapon, and his knuckles whitened. There was a struggle going on inside of him that I could almost feel—one of calculating, anger, and something more profound—desperation."Claire," he growled in a steely voice. "Now this is over."Her smile became bigger. "Oh, Damien... It’s simply the beginning.Vanessa gripped my hand tightly, her fingernails reducing into my flesh.With a resolute but pallid expression, Kyle remained still next to us. Even though we were trapped, outgunned, and outmatched, Damien had refused to give up. Not yet.With twisted delight, Claire's icy stare switched to me. She drewled, "Audrey Vance." "The woman who d

The smoking remains were illuminated by an unsettling glow as the chilly morning descended over Damien's broken estate. Faint flames burned amid the rubble, and smoke curled toward the pale sky. The once-impenetrable walls of the house were now broken, a menacing reminder of the lengths Claire had gone to. I was reminded that the nightmare was not yet finished by the distant sirens. Even after Claire was carried away, vanquished for the time being, I was still tormented by the poison in her last grin. I knew in my heart that it wasn't over, but she wanted us to think it was. We stood, damaged but alive, in the shattered courtyard. Kyle and Vanessa hovered close by, their features determined but pallid. Despite the odds against us, they had fought as hard as Damien and I had. Beside me, Damien remained quiet, his look unwavering as he gazed at the abandoned mansion. His clothing were charred and ripped, and his hands were smeared with blood. However, I was more concerned about the s

Like thunder, the boathouse door exploded, shattering the delicate silence. Wood fragments splintered in the air and landed on the groaning flooring. Men with guns and tactical gear rushed in, moving with deadly accuracy and aiming their weapons.Damien's face was as hard as stone as he charged forward like a natural force. Silently and deadly, Damien attacked before the first invader could react. Before firing a single, silent shot into the shoulder of the next guard, his elbow struck the man's chin, sending him reeling.“Go down!” Damien's voice broke through the confusion as he yelled.Retaliating with grim resolve, Vanessa and Kyle crouched behind a pile of fallen boxes. The air was heavy with gunpowder and desperation, and every shot was loud due to the boathouse's tight quarters.My fingers were shaking around the cold steel of the revolver Damien had put into my hands before we ran, and I flattened myself against the wall with my pulse racing. Continue to live. I couldn't get t

As we flew over the impossibly vast sky, speeding toward an unknown future, the sound of the private jet's engines became quieter. Sitting opposite me, Damien's jaw was clinched and his eyes were fixed on the far horizon as if he could control the future.Claire's supposed stronghold was a distant island fortress, which is where we were going. Even though my gut told me that this was a trap, there was nothing we could do about it. She would discover us if we fled. She would ruin everyone we loved if we remained.The only means of escape was via.Safe and hidden under government protection were Vanessa and Kyle. However, safety seemed illusory—a fleeting escape in a world where Claire had all the power.Only the steady cadence of Damien's fingers tapping on his thigh revealed the fury brewing behind his composed appearance. Years of battle from which he was unable to flee had worn his measured calm to the brink.I grabbed his hand across the little cabin and stopped its agitated motion