Darkness swallowed the room.
Only emergency lights flickered faintly across the walls.
The tension in the air had turned sharp… suffocating.
Standing in front of the bed, Aryan Malhotra didn't lower his gun.
Not even for a second.
Across from him, Nikolai Volkov stood still.
Calm.
But serious.
"Viktor knows," Nikolai repeated.
The words settled deep.
Behind Aryan, Anaya Sen tried to sit up, her body still weak.
"How?" she whispered.
Nikolai glanced at her.
"Because someone inside your walls told him."
Silence.
Cold.
Deadly.
Aryan's eyes darkened instantly.
A traitor.
Again.
Before he could respond—
A loud explosion shook the entire mansion.
BOOM!
The walls trembled.
Glass shattered somewhere in the distance.
Anaya gasped.
"What was that?!"
Aryan moved instantly.
His arm wrapped around her, pulling her close against him.
"Stay behind me."
Another explosion.
Closer this time.
BOOM!
Sirens started ringing.
Guards shouting.
Gunfire erupted outside.
Nikolai's voice cut through the chaos.
"They're already here."
Aryan's jaw tightened.
"Of course they are."
He turned slightly, looking at Anaya.
His voice dropped—
Cold.
Controlled.
"You don't leave my side. Not even for a second."
Anaya nodded.
This time, no argument.
Because she could feel it too—
This was different.
This wasn't an attack.
This was a hunt.
Suddenly—
The door burst open.
Two armed men rushed inside.
Aryan reacted instantly.
BANG! BANG!
Both men dropped before they could even aim.
Silence followed.
But only for a second.
More footsteps echoed in the corridor.
Nikolai pulled out his gun.
"Looks like we're surrounded."
Aryan didn't respond.
His focus was sharp.
Calculating.
Always two steps ahead.
He turned to Anaya.
"Can you walk?"
She nodded weakly.
"I'll manage."
Without hesitation—
Aryan grabbed her hand.
Firm.
Protective.
"Stay close."
They moved out into the corridor.
Chaos everywhere.
Guards fighting.
Bullets flying.
Smoke filling the air.
Anaya's heart pounded wildly as she stayed close to him.
Every time a shot rang—
Aryan's grip on her tightened.
Shielding her.
Guiding her.
Protecting her.
A bullet hit the wall inches from them.
Anaya flinched.
But before she could react—
Aryan pulled her into him.
His body covering hers completely.
"Focus," he said near her ear.
"I've got you."
The words steadied her.
Just enough.
They moved quickly through the hallway.
Taking down enemies.
Dodging attacks.
Until—
They reached the main staircase.
And froze.
Because standing at the bottom…
Surrounded by armed men…
Calm.
Unmoving.
Was Viktor Dragovich.
The dragon had entered the lion's den.
A slow smile appeared on his face.
"Impressive security," he said casually.
"Shame it didn't last long."
Aryan stepped forward slightly.
Positioning himself in front of Anaya.
His voice dropped.
"You made a mistake coming here."
Viktor chuckled.
"No."
His gaze shifted to Anaya.
"I came for what's mine."
Anaya's breath caught.
Aryan's hand tightened around hers instantly.
"She's not yours."
Viktor's smile widened.
"Everything her father took…"
"…belongs to me."
Silence.
Deadly.
Then Viktor raised his hand slightly.
His men aimed their guns.
Nikolai stepped forward.
"This isn't how you win, Viktor."
Viktor didn't even look at him.
"I'm not here to win."
His voice turned colder.
"I'm here to end it."
Before anyone could react—
Gunfire exploded again.
Chaos returned instantly.
Aryan pulled Anaya back.
"Stay down!"
Bullets flew across the staircase.
Men falling.
Shouting.
Smoke spreading.
But in the middle of it all—
Anaya's head suddenly spun.
Her grip on Aryan tightened.
"Aryan…"
Her voice trembled.
"I remember…"
He turned instantly.
"What?"
Her eyes widened.
Fear mixing with realization.
"The codes…"
Her breathing quickened.
"I remember where the last chip is…"
Everything stopped.
Just for a second.
Because that information—
Could change everything.
Aryan's eyes locked onto hers.
"Where?"
Anaya whispered—
"In the old church…"
"…where my father died."
Silence fell again.
Heavy.
Dangerous.
Because now—
The final piece of the puzzle had been revealed.
And everyone in that room—
Would be willing to kill for it.