Chapter 10 - The Final Light
Evelyn laughed, a cruel, mocking sound that echoed in the quiet room.
She told Lily to put the toy down before she hurt herself.
But Lily did not flinch, nor did she lower her aim.
She told her mother that she was done living in the dark, and it was time for Evelyn to face the light.
Lily pulled the trigger of the flare gun without a second of hesitation.
The blindingly bright, burning red flare shot across the room.
It completely missed the server rack and struck the emergency fire sprinkler system directly above Evelyn.
The heat instantly triggered the massive industrial sprinklers.
High-pressure water blasted down, soaking the room and completely blinding Evelyn in the sudden deluge.
The shock caused Evelyn to drop her weapon and release her grip on Max.
Max scrambled away, diving safely behind the barricade next to Arthur.
Arthur did not waste the opportunity; he charged forward and tackled Evelyn to the ground.
He pinned her down, grabbing her arms and holding her securely.
A loud chime echoed from the computers.
The upload was one hundred percent complete.
The files were gone, transmitted to every major news outlet and federal agency on the planet.
Evelyn stopped struggling, staring at the screen in absolute, horrified defeat.
She knew her empire was completely destroyed, and her life was over.
Minutes later, the sound of federal helicopters and police sirens filled the morning air.
The FBI stormed the building, arresting Evelyn and the surviving mercenaries without further incident.
As Evelyn was dragged away in handcuffs, she looked back at Lily one last time.
But Lily simply turned her back, refusing to give the monster another second of her attention.
Arthur dropped to his knees and pulled Lily and Max into a massive, tearful embrace.
They had survived the longest, darkest night of their lives.
Months later, Arthur, Lily, and Max sat together on the porch of a beautiful house by the ocean.
Arthur had officially adopted Max, bringing the brave boy into their new family.
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Lily was reading a book out loud, her bright blue eyes scanning the pages with absolute joy.
The nightmare was finally over, and for the first time in years, their future looked perfectly bright.
