The night was thick with tension, the sky cloaked in a curtain of stars that offered no peace—only haunting silence. Dylan stood on the rooftop of one of his safe houses, his sharp gaze scanning the distant lights of the city. Below him, the underworld buzzed with growing unrest. Richard was making moves—silent, precise, and deadly.
Jayden approached cautiously. He knew better than to interrupt Dylan's thoughts, especially when the war drums were beating louder with each passing day. "We've confirmed the leak came from the southern outpost," Jayden said, keeping his voice low. "It was one of Richard's men, disguised as a runner."
Dylan clenched his jaw. "Burn it. Everything tied to that outpost. I want no trace left behind."
"Yes, boss."
As Jayden turned to leave, Dylan called out, "Has Heaven been moved to the secondary house?"
Jayden hesitated. "She refused. Said she doesn't want to hide."
Of course she would. Dylan's lips twisted into a mix of frustration and admiration. "She's too brave for her own good."
Back at the mansion, Heaven sat alone in the dimly lit drawing room, the soft hum of a classical piano piece playing from her phone. Michael had been moved to a secure location, and although his condition was stable, the distance weighed on her. The boy had become her world, and now—Dylan's world was bleeding into hers more than ever.
She looked out the window and caught sight of Dylan's dark car pulling into the driveway. Her heart reacted first—quickening, aching, and stubbornly refusing to remain indifferent.
He walked in without knocking, as usual, exuding an air of control and quiet danger. "You're still here."
"I told Jayden I'm not a coward."
"I didn't say you were," he replied, his voice softer than expected. "But you're not a soldier either."
Heaven stood up. "Maybe not. But I have the right to stay and see this through."
Dylan stared at her for a moment—then walked closer. "You remind me too much of her sometimes."
"Samantha?" she asked, the name slipping out.
He nodded. "She was fire too. Brave. Stubborn. But in the end... she died because I let my guard down."
"You think that's going to happen again?"
"No," he said, stepping even closer. "I won't lose anyone else I care about."
The words hung between them. Neither moved nor spoke for a moment. But it was clear—something in Dylan had shifted. Not just because of the war or the betrayal... but because of her.
Suddenly, Jayden's voice came over the intercom.
"Boss, we have a breach at the west gate. It's Richard's men."
Dylan turned immediately. "Stay inside. Don't move."
"I'm coming with you."
"No." He paused at the door. "I meant what I said. I'm not losing you too."
And with that, he was gone—leaving Heaven in the golden glow of the room, heart racing, shadows dancing on the walls, and a quiet whisper of fear and love battling within her.