The night was thick with tension. A low hum buzzed through the estate's security grid—barely noticeable to the untrained ear, but Dylan noticed. He always did. Something was coming. He could feel it.
Jayden stood at his side, scanning the surveillance feeds. "Everything appears quiet, but the perimeter sensors on the south wing flickered twice tonight. That never happens."
Dylan's eyes narrowed. "Richard's watching us."
Jayden hesitated. "You want me to increase the guards?"
"No," Dylan said, his voice cold and certain. "If we tighten security too much, we'll alert him. Let him think we're unaware. Let him act."
A knock echoed at the door. Heaven entered, arms crossed, wearing a black hoodie and leggings—simple, but it reminded Dylan how human she was in the middle of his blood-soaked world.
"You're hiding something," she said.
Dylan leaned against the table, silent.
"Don't deny it. I can tell. You've been watching every move, whispering with Jayden like the world's ending, and you barely eat or sleep." She stepped closer. "Is this about Richard?"
Dylan didn't flinch. "You're not to worry about him."
"I'm not a child," she snapped. "You brought me into this life—don't expect me to stand still when it starts crumbling."
He stepped forward and gently gripped her shoulders. "This war… it's not yours. I dragged you in because I was selfish, angry, and lost. But I won't let you become collateral damage in my world."
Heaven softened. "So protect me… with me. Not by pushing me away."
There was a pause. Then Dylan's phone buzzed. A message.
Unknown Number: You have 48 hours. Or everything burns. —R
Dylan's eyes darkened.
He looked at Heaven. "Stay in the estate. No matter what you hear. No matter what happens. Promise me."
"No," she whispered. "Not unless you promise to come back."
He stared at her, then slowly nodded. "I will."
---
Elsewhere — Richard's Hideout
Richard stood before a large table as crates of explosives were opened. His men were preparing for coordinated hits across Dylan's territories—supply chains, money vaults, and safehouses.
"We strike all at once," Richard said. "And by the time he realizes, his empire will already be falling."
Marcus stepped forward, phone in hand. "And the message?"
"Delivered. He'll come. He always does when pushed."
Richard turned to the window, watching the moon.
"And when he does… I'll be ready."