The first light of dawn seeped through the heavy curtains of the estate, casting long, uncertain shadows across the marble floors. The silence in the air was thick, pregnant with anticipation and danger.
I sat at the edge of the grand bed, fingers trembling as I traced the rim of my coffee cup. Raiden stood by the window, his silhouette rigid, eyes scanning the awakening city like a predator ready to strike.
"They're close," he said without turning. "Il Principe's men won't wait long."
My breath hitched, but I forced calm. Fear was a luxury we couldn't afford.
---
Preparing for the Storm
We moved swiftly, the estate's staff already on edge. Plans were repeated, roles assigned.
"If they come for me," I said, voice steady, "I won't be your liability."
Raiden's gaze softened for a moment. "You're not a liability. You're a weapon."
His words ignited a fire within me, but also a weight I hadn't expected to carry.
---
A Sudden Strike
Suddenly, alarms shattered the fragile calm.
The estate's gates were under siege.
Raiden's hand found mine, firm and reassuring.
"Stay close."
We moved through darkened hallways, the distant echo of footsteps and muffled voices growing louder.
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Close Quarters
In the grand hall, shadows darted—masked figures, armed, moving like ghosts.
Raiden was a force of nature, swift and merciless, while I clung to the edge of fear and adrenaline.
Every breath, every movement was a dance between life and death.
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The Unexpected
Among the attackers, a familiar face emerged—Il Principe's lieutenant, cold and calculating.
Our eyes locked. No words needed.
This was just the beginning.
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End of Chapter 32