Gunfire echoed across the Knight estate.
Sharp.
Violent.
Relentless.
The peaceful image of wealth and elegance had completely shattered. Outside the underground facility, security alarms screamed through the night as guards rushed across the estate grounds.
The war had arrived.
And it had arrived for Emily.
Inside the damaged chamber, tension wrapped itself around every person like a blade.
Alexander stood beside Emily, every part of him sharp with focus. His hand had not left hers.
Not once.
Not since Victoria appeared.
Not since the words *they've come to collect the girl from the core* had been spoken.
He wasn't letting go now.
Not ever again.
Daniel checked the emergency monitors, his usual humor thinner than before.
"Well," he muttered, "good news: we are all still alive."
Sophia crossed her arms.
"And the bad news?"
Daniel stared at the flashing red screens.
"They brought professionals."
That shut the room into silence.
