The mansion slept under the heavy silence of midnight. Shadows stretched long against the marble walls. Mina's breathing was even, her body curled up under the sheets-until the faintest crunch of gravel outside reached her ear.
At first, she thought it was the wind. Until the sound of boots echoed in her ears.
The dogs didn't bark-drugged. The guards at the gate didn't shout- silent.
Her eyes snapped open, instinct clawing at her chest. She slipped out of bed barefoot, the cold floor biting at her skin as she crept to the window. And then she saw them. A dozen men, black masks, moving like shadows with glinting rifles at their sides.
"We are under attack."
She rushed towards Ellie who was asleep. With her baby in her hand, she walked to her walk-in closet. There was a hideout there. Only she knew about that. She pressed a red button which was hidden behind the ranks of bags. It opened revealing a room full of baby things. On short notice, the nanny she had hired for Ellie sneaked into her room.
" Keep her safe, Olivia. Nobody knows about this room except you and me." her voice trembled.
Ellie stirred in her sleep. Mina bit her lower lip. She leaned closer to her baby and kissed her on the head.
" Take care, Ellie. Mommy would make sure she doesn't die." With that, she slipped the necklace she was wearing around her baby.
" Go, Olivia," she said in a hoarse voice.
Olivia nodded before saying;
" I'd protect her with my life Miss Mina."
Mina smiled at her.
" I know you would," With that said, she closed the door, and the room was covered with her bags.
A glass shattered downstairs.
" Shit." she rushed towards the drawer and took her gun.
" This is it."
A muffled scream, cut too soon. Mina's heart thundered in her chest. The sound of doors being kicked open in the echoed hallways.
Bang. Bang. Bang. Each shot is getting closer.
Her hands trembled as she cocked the gun, whispering under her breath.
"Not today bitches. You won't take me tonight.
The door to her room rattled once, then exploded inwards with a violet kick.
Smoke, shouting, gunfire. Men stormed in search of, hunting. But Mina was already behind the dresser, steadying her breathing, her finger curling tighter on the trigger.
" I hope you didn't die Naarah."
"I'm over here."
Mina flinched. She looked beside her to see her best friend holding a pistol. Her brows furrowed.
" What the fuck are you doing here?" she whispered
Naarah rolled her eyes at her.
" If you've forgotten this is my house and I know every corner to get myself to any room"
Mina fought back the tears that were threatening to fall. She loved this girl.
" Thank you for not dying babe. Now let's kill these morons."
" On that."
They got out behind the dresser and started shouting at the men in the room.
She wasn't just Aaron's weakness. She was ready to fight for her life and those she loves.