Chapter 5 BLOOD, BETRAYAL AND THE EDGE OF FATE

The warehouse reeked of gunpowder, sweat, and money stacked like weapons. Matteo's men circled us like predators, their shadows long in the flickering light of hanging bulbs. I could feel Ava trembling beside me, gripping my arm as if letting go meant death itself.

First conflict, survival against impossible odds. Twenty against three, The math was clear. The outcome was not.

Rico crouched low, whispering tactical commands. "Split" We take out the perimeter. Lucien, you and Ava hit the inside. Disrupt them before they know what's happening"

I nodded, swallowing the surge of panic threatening to overtake me. Every instinct screamed caution, every heartbeat screamed fury

Ava looked at me, eyes wide and fierce. "I'm not leaving you"

"You won't have the chance to," I said, voice low and steady. "Stay close"

We moved like shadows, silent and lethal. Rico covered the outer doors, taking down sentries before they could alert the rest. I could hear the muffled thumps of bodies hitting the floor, the snap of suppressed gunfire, the metallic clatter that meant death was close.

Inside, Matteo sat at the table, the folder from before resting near his hand. My mother, cold and unyielding, smiled faintly, the predator waiting to strike.

Second conflict, betrayal so close it cut like a blade. My mother had always believed power mattered more than blood, more than love, more than fate.

I signaled to Ava and we split toward the table. Her heart pounded against mine as we moved, every step measured, every breath silent. Her hand slipped into mine, grounding me, reminding me why I fought, reminding me what was at stake.

"Lucien," she whispered. "I can grab it"

I nodded, eyes locked on Matteo, "Do it fast"

Ava dove for the folder, Hands trembling, fingers brushing the papers. A folder that could destroy lives or end them. The second warrant, the contingency clause, all proof of what Matteo and my mother were planning.

A gun clicked behind me

I spun, firing instinctively, A man collapsed, clutching his chest. Another raised his weapon, but Rico was faster, a single round taking him down before he could react.

Third conflict, love and duty intertwined. Protecting Ava while dismantling an empire of blood and betrayal at the same time

Ava grabbed the folder, holding it to her chest. Her eyes met mine, wide, terrified, but triumphant.

"We have it," she said

Matteo laughed, the sound echoing through the warehouse. "Congratulations, cousin. You think you can take everything with that little prize?"

I stepped forward, gun steady. "Move! and she dies." He tilted his head, amused. Do you really think it's that simple?

My mother rose, stepping closer, "Lucien, hand it over. You have no idea what they're capable of." I tightened my grip, aware of the baby she carried, aware of the stakes I could not afford to lose.

"We'll find out," I said

The first explosion shook the building. Rico had planted charges around the perimeter. Smoke and fire erupted, and chaos consumed the warehouse. Men screamed, ran, fired, bullets ricocheting. I grabbed Ava, pushing her down as debris rained around us. Ava's arm grazed a bullet, Blood slick and warm. My heart hitched, but there was no time to stop, Not now.

I fired, covering her as we moved. Every step forward was a battle, every breath a defiance against fate.

Suddenly, Matteo grabbed a gun from a fallen man and pointed it at Ava. My chest dropped, Rage and fear collided.

I dove, knocking him off balance, fists and gun swinging. Rico took down the rest of the perimeter. My mother moved toward the folder, but Ava, with a strength I had never seen, tackled her to the ground.

The folder spilled open, Papers scattered like snow in the firelight. The contingency, the contracts, the proof, everything that could destroy lives and bloodlines lay in our hands.

I kicked Matteo back, gun aimed at his chest. "It ends tonight" He laughed again, slow, venomous. You think you've won?

"Yes," I said, voice cold. Because this time, I fight for more than power. I fight for love, For blood, For fate.

My mother groaned, struggling beneath Ava! "You're too blind to see it, Lucien"

Ava whispered fiercely, "We see it", That's why we're alive. Then the warehouse doors burst open, More men, Guns raised, bullets ready. And in the midst of them, a familiar figure stepped forward, face hidden by shadows

"Lucien Moretti," a voice hissed, Did you really think it would be this easy?

I froze, stomach knotting, pulse hammering. The figure stepped into the light and behold It was my father and he was pointing a gun at Ava.