Chapter 9 - The Inferno
Victor panicked, raising his gun toward the sound of the voice and firing blindly into the darkness.
The muzzle flash illuminated the hallway for a split second, long enough for me to break free.
I dove to the floor, wrapping my body entirely around Lily as the deafening sound of gunfire erupted above us.
I covered her ears, pressing my face against the hardwood floor, praying the bullets would miss us.
There was a sickening thud, followed by a wet, gurgling sound.
I peeked through the darkness as the emergency backup lights flickered on, casting a dim red glow over the corridor.
Victor was on the floor, gasping for air, a massive knife buried deep in his chest.
Silas stood above him, looking like the devil himself.
His suit was torn, his face was smeared with ash and blood, and his eyes were wild with a murderous rage.
He didn't spare Victor another glance.
Silas stepped over the dying traitor and rushed to my side, dropping to his knees.
"Are you hit?" he demanded, his hands frantically checking my arms, my chest, and then Lily.
"We're okay. We're okay," I sobbed, throwing my arms around his neck.
He pulled me against him so tightly I could barely breathe, burying his face in my hair.
"They breached the east wing, but my men contained it," Silas said, pulling back to look into my eyes.
"The rival boss is dead. The war is over."
I looked at the blood on his face, tracing the jagged scar on his jaw just like Lily had done.
"You came for us," I whispered, realizing the depth of what he had just risked.
"I will always come for you," Silas swore, pressing his forehead against mine.
"You are mine, Elena. Both of you."
I didn't argue.
I didn't mention the debt, or the fact that I was supposed to be a prisoner.
May you like
I simply leaned forward and pressed my lips against his.
It was a fierce, desperate kiss, tasting of smoke, blood, and absolute survival.
