The bodies lay scattered across the polished floor, dark stains spreading like shadows that refused to fade. The sharp tang of gunpowder still clung to the air, mingling with the faint sweetness of Adair's perfume. For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Dominic's chest rose and fell in ragged breaths as he lowered his weapon. He looked less like the untouchable Wolfe king and more like a man carrying the weight of every decision that had brought him here.
Adair broke the silence first. Her voice was quiet, steady, but it trembled at the edges. "How many more nights like this, Dominic? How many more bodies until you admit this war is already at your doorstep?"
He glanced at her, jaw tight. "This isn't your war."
She stepped closer, unflinching despite the carnage between them. "Don't you dare tell me that after what just happened. I was in that crossfire too. Whether you like it or not, it is my war now."
His eyes closed briefly, a flicker of pain breaking through. He hated her courage as much as he needed it. Hated the truth in her words even more.
Before he could answer, a faint buzz from the dead intruder's pocket drew his attention. Dominic crouched, pulling out a burner phone slick with blood. One new message glowed on the screen:
"The Wolfe bleeds tonight. Finish what you started."
Adair's heart sank as she read it over his shoulder. "They're not done."
Dominic's grip on the phone tightened, his knuckles white. He muttered something low, dangerous, a vow meant for no one but himself.
Then his eyes met hers, burning with a fire that was equal parts fury and fear. "They know where I live. Which means someone I trusted gave them that door."
The betrayal cut deeper than any bullet.
Adair felt a chill sweep through her. If they could breach his walls once, they would again. And next time, there might not be a chance to fight back.
Dominic straightened, his expression hardening into steel. "Pack a bag," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Adair blinked. "Where are we going?"
He didn't look at her as he reloaded his gun. "Somewhere they won't find us.
But the flicker of doubt in his eyes told her even he wasn't sure such a place existed.