ircled us like predators, their shadows long in the flickering light of hanging bulbs. I

ssible odds. Twenty against three, Th

" We take out the perimeter. Lucien, you and Ava hit th

eatening to overtake me. Every instinct scr

es wide and fierce.

ce to," I said, voice lo

ies before they could alert the rest. I could hear the muffled thumps of bodies hitting t

ore resting near his hand. My mother, cold and unyie

blade. My mother had always believed power matter

e as we moved, every step measured, every breath silent. Her hand slipped into

whispered. "

locked on Matte

A folder that could destroy lives or end them. The second warrant, the

licked

his chest. Another raised his weapon, but Rico was fast

. Protecting Ava while dismantling an emp

t to her chest. Her eyes met mine

e it,"

arehouse. "Congratulations, cousin. You think y

nd she dies." He tilted his head, amuse

o idea what they're capable of." I tightened my grip, aware of the

ind out,

s consumed the warehouse. Men screamed, ran, fired, bullets ricocheting. I grabbed Ava, pushing her down as debris rain

Every step forward was a battle, ev

fallen man and pointed it at Ava. My

down the rest of the perimeter. My mother moved toward the folder, b

irelight. The contingency, the contracts, the proof, everyth

chest. "It ends tonight" He laughed aga

is time, I fight for more than power.

ing beneath Ava! "You're t

ehouse doors burst open, More men, Guns raised, bullets ready. And in the

hissed, Did you really t

e figure stepped into the light and behold It