Chapter 5 - The Counter-Strike
The retaliation was swift, brutal, and entirely off the books.
While Maya and Clara rested in the heavily fortified guest wing, Victor mobilized his elite tactical units. Julian had planned to seize the commercial shipping ports on Thursday, but Victor struck on Tuesday night.
From the command center in the basement of the compound, Victor orchestrated a simultaneous assault on three of Julian’s illicit warehouses. He watched the thermal satellite feeds on massive monitors, his face illuminated by the harsh blue glow. Marcus relayed orders through an encrypted headset, coordinating the strike teams with military precision.
“Team Bravo has secured the waterfront,” Marcus reported, his voice devoid of emotion. “Julian’s lieutenants have been neutralized. The O’Connor brothers have surrendered.”
“Execute the O’Connors,” Victor commanded coldly. “Treason doesn't get a second chance. Leave their bodies on the docks as a message.”
Maya, unable to sleep, had wandered down the hallway and slipped into the back of the command center just in time to hear the order. She froze in the doorway, staring at Victor’s rigid back. He had just ordered the execution of two men without raising his voice or batting an eye.
Victor turned around, sensing her presence before he even saw her. His eyes locked onto hers, reading the fear and shock on her face. He didn't apologize. He didn't offer a gentle explanation to soften the reality of who he was.
“This is my world, Maya,” Victor said, stepping away from the monitors and walking toward her. “It is ugly. It is violent. And it requires a ruthlessness that you should never have to understand. But this violence is exactly what is keeping Julian away from you.”
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“Does it ever keep you awake at night?” Maya asked softly, her voice barely audible over the hum of the servers.
Victor stopped a few feet away, his gaze dropping to the heavy white bandages on her wrists. “The only thing that keeps me awake is the thought of what I found in that cellar. I will burn this city to the ground before I let anyone put you in chains again.”
