t conversation. Damien's words still echoed in her mind: I don't know how to let go of this. She understood. After e

e they had carved out of blood and anger had left its mark on them both

touches and lingering looks, seemed to be swallowed by the darkness of their shared mission. Alina found herself wondering if they were

r intel, and disappear before anyone noticed they had been there. They'

sharp outline of her jaw and eyes barely visible. It was a necessity-protection, anonym

ween them was palpable, but there was no time for words. They had been here before-too many t

mien's voice wa

dies fluid and precise, moving in perfect synchrony. The city was alive beneath them, but it fe

e, their entry swift and silent. The pl

expected. One of the men they'd been tracking for months, the very man who had been pu

rage that overtook his expression. He'd been here before, in moments like this, when everything f

, her fingers tightening around his wri

The fire in his eye

could only be born from years of hatred. Alina followed, her heart pounding as she tried to k

it felt like everything was on the line. Alina was in the thick of it, her mind racing. She didn

at Damien's feet, his blood staining the floor. Alina st

th each breath. His eyes were cold, distant. The stor

, his voice barely audibl

hing down on her. There was no turning back now. They had crossed the l

ntest glimmer of hope flickered wit

she placed it on his arm. "Damien, you're still

ep pain reflected in them. "

thing else. Choose us. We've been fighting together this whole time. Let's

ent, Alina knew that there was a chance-a fragile, flee

beginning to fade. The choice was in his hands now. The choice to l