Kian's eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, scanning the rain-slicked street. Shadows moved under the dim glow of the streetlights, nothing concrete, but enough to keep his pulse steady at the edge of panic.
"Start from the top," he instructed, voice firm. "Who knew you'd be leaving the office this late? Who saw you alone?"
Selene hesitated, swallowing hard, her hands tightening around the seatbelt. "Just… the usual. My assistant, a security detail change request—maybe… maybe my mother herself."
He exhaled slowly, the gears in his mind shifting. The list was short, but short lists were easier to hide in. Someone had to be lying.
The SUV turned a corner sharply, tires hissing over wet asphalt. Kian's senses were raw—he could feel the presence of another car shadowing them, too subtle to be coincidence.
"Tell me everything about your assistant," Kian said, his jaw rigid. "Name, habits, who they report to. Now."
Selene's voice wavered. "Marcos… he's been with us for three years. Loyal. He'd never…" Her words trailed off, doubt gnawing at her.
"Would never what?" Kian pressed.
Her eyes met his, glossy with uncertainty. "I don't know. But… someone made sure the sniper knew exactly when I'd be outside. Marcos could have been manipulated. Or—"
"Or he could be the one." Kian finished her thought. He didn't flinch. The possibility settled like ice in his stomach, but he needed facts, not fear.
Another car emerged from the shadows ahead, tires spraying water, headlights cutting through the darkness. Kian's hand hovered over the weapon again. His gut told him this was no ordinary tail.
"Hold on," he muttered. The SUV accelerated, weaving through the alleyways, rain masking the sound of the chase. The storm was no longer just weather—it was a shield, and a weapon.
Selene gripped the seat, whispering, "Kian… we need a plan. If they catch up—"
"Then we take the fight to them," he said, determination hardening every word. "No one gets to touch you. Not tonight. Not ever."
Lightning split the sky, illuminating the wet streets for a split second—and in that flash, Kian saw a shadow dart across the sidewalk. Too fast. Too deliberate.
He tightened his grip. "Buckle up, Selene. This is far from over."
The SUV's tires screeched as Kian swerved into a narrower alley, rain spraying against the windshield like shattered glass. The other car kept pace, sliding through the puddles with uncanny precision.
"Whoever's following us knows this city," Kian muttered, eyes scanning every shadow. "They're professionals."
Selene's hand gripped his arm. "Kian… what do we do? We can't outrun them forever."
He didn't answer. His mind was running scenarios at lightning speed. A wrong move here meant death. And if the sniper hadn't failed the first time… they wouldn't hesitate again.
A flash of movement caught his eye—a figure stepping from a doorway into the alley. Reflexively, Kian hit the brakes. Tires skidded, the SUV fishtailed, and the shadow disappeared into the rain.
"That was too close," Selene whispered.
Before he could reply, a metallic clang echoed from the roof. Kian's grip tightened. He looked up—roof-mounted explosives? No, just a loose sign swaying from the storm. But the warning was clear: they were being watched, every step calculated.
Then, headlights blindingly close, the other car rammed the SUV from the side. Metal screamed against metal. The vehicle spun, sliding into a puddle-filled corner, and came to a jerking halt.
Selene screamed. Kian's hand shot to her, shielding her. "Stay down!"
The doors rattled violently. A voice called out, distorted by the storm. "Step out. Now!"
Kian's mind raced. They had three options: fight, escape on foot, or surrender. None were safe—but one had to be chosen.
He glanced at Selene. Her usual composure was gone, replaced by fear—but also something else: trust. Even now, she believed he could get them out alive.
Kian drew his weapon, breath steady despite the chaos. "We don't step out," he said firmly. "We finish this our way."
The ambushers hesitated. That was all the opening Kian needed. He slammed the SUV in reverse, tires spraying water like a tidal wave, before spinning the wheel sharply and disappearing into the rain-slick streets.
Behind them, the sound of pursuit roared—but for now, Kian and Selene were alive.
But Kian knew the real fight wasn't with the tailing car. It was with the shadow who had sold them out—and that enemy was still somewhere… very close.