A black SUV was parked nearby, waiting for her, and she ran toward the gate. Out of nowhere, she heard a shout: "HEY! STOP!" Flashlights cut through the darkness, and suddenly, a bullet struck the metal pole next to her.
She took off, but another shot grazed her leg, making her fall hard. Pain shot through her thigh as four guards piled on top of her. One pressed her face into the concrete and sneered, "You really thought we wouldn't catch you?" They dragged her back, leaving a trail of blood behind her like a shadow disappearing into the night.
*******
Alpha was in his private office, standing by the glass, watching as she was dragged in like an animal. Selina stood beside him.
"She almost made it," Selina muttered.
Alpha smiled darkly and replied, "Then it's time we show the world what we do with rats."
He initiated a live broadcast on the dark web, invite-only and password-protected. His assistant typed in the title: "The Auction: Hacker Queen Exposed."
