Chapter 55

Victor’s grip on Emma’s hand tightened as they exchanged a brief, but intense glance. The weight of everything that had just happened still clung to the air around them, and the threat looming outside felt heavier than ever. His jaw clenched as he spoke in a low voice.

“We don’t have much time. They’ll come back,” he said, eyes darting to the shattered window. “And next time, they won’t stop until we’re both dead.”

Emma’s chest tightened at the cold truth of his words. She had barely survived that last encounter, and now their enemies were circling like vultures.

“Then what do we do?” she asked, her voice barely steady.

Victor pulled her closer, his face inches from hers, his gaze burning with determination. “We fight. We’re not running anymore.”

The intensity in his eyes made Emma’s heart skip. She nodded, adrenaline still pumping through her veins. “All right. I’m with you.”

Victor released her hand and quickly scanned the room. His mind was already working through their next steps,