Chapter 55: THE HUNT BEGINS

Chasing Shadows

I can't get Victor's cold smile out of my head as we rush through the empty streets. There is a lot of stress in the car. Lucian's fingers are white from holding on to the driving wheel so tightly. My mind is racing with thoughts, and my heart is pounding. How did they find us? Who is the true culprit? And why is it that we always seem to lag behind? 

The quiet is broken by Aaron muttering from the rear, "They're always watching." "They are aware of everything we do." 

Lucian's eyes remain focused on the road ahead while his jaw tightens. "Not for very long. We will track them down, find them, and put an end to this. For good and all. 

In an attempt to soothe him, I put a hand on his arm. "Lucian, we'll work things out. Together. 

His face relaxes for a short moment as he looks at me. Isabella, I won't allow them to hurt you. I promise. 

I squeeze his arm and whisper, "I know." However, we must face this with wisdom. There is no gain to coming in blind. 

Lucian nods, but his eyes are burning with frustration. He wants movement. He wants to respond. However, we cannot afford to make any mistakes. 

Aaron speaks softly as he leans forward. For weeks, I have been following Clara's guys. They take the same roads and at the same times. We may find a weakness if we can understand their pattern. 

Taking this into account, Lucian frowns. "Are you certain about this?" 

Aaron gives a nod. "Good. Although they practice care, nobody is perfect. All we have to do is go down the right road. 

Lucian has a focused spark in his eyes. Then tonight is when we begin. We follow their moves, spot a trend, and hit. 

My heart is racing as I nod. "Let's take action." 

We follow Clara's guys throughout the rest of the evening. Lucian stands at the head, his focus steady. I'm committed to helping him in any way I can, so I stick with him. We track every lead, watching their movements and looking for flaws in their defenses. But the job is slow and tiring. 

Every step we take feels like we’re going deeper into a trap, but we don’t have a choice. This is the only way we can find the information we need. 

A Perilous Task 

We meet in the safehouse the following morning to review the data we have gathered. Second-in-command Alessia frowns as she studies the city plan that is spread out on the table. 

Her speech is serious as she says, "They're moving too carefully." "We require something more solid. Something that will make them make a mistake. 

With a sad scowl, Lucian nods. "We need more, but we're getting close." 

Aaron points to a spot that has been marked in red while bending over the table. "This is a factory. I caught them talking it; that may be the site of their operations. 

Lucian's eyes narrow. "And you believe the risk is worthwhile?" 

Aaron gives a nod. "That's where we need to go if we want to figure out who's behind all of this." 

Alessia looks at me and folds her arms. Isabella, following this information will put you in direct danger. Do you really want to join in this? 

My jaw tightens as I look her in the eyes. "We will never extinguish the fire if we do not walk into it." 

Lucian's eyes twitch with worry as he looks at me. You don't have to do this, Isabella. It's risky. 

"I understand," I answer firmly. However, I'm no longer running. I'd like to fight. 

For an instant, the room is just the two of us, and Lucian's eyes soften. As the outside world dims, all I can think about is how much I love him and how much I'd risk anything to be at his side. 

His voice is dropped so that only I can hear it as he moves closer. "Isabela, I can't lose you." 

I put a hand on his chest and swear, "You won't. "We have this in common." 

He presses his face on mine as he leans in. “Always.” 

Even though the moment is short, it serves as a memory of my reason for fighting. We're fighting for a future together, not just avoiding our enemies. I refuse to allow anyone to take that away from us. 

The quiet is broken by Alessia clearing her throat. "You must be ready if you're going. It won't be easy. 

Lucian's face hardens once more as he straightens. "We'll be prepared." 

A Fatal Finding 

The building is empty, its appearance fading and forgotten. However, the stress in the air grows as we get closer. There is a problem. I feel it. 

Lucian signs for us to stop, looking around. He says, "Stay close," as we continue, his palm brushing mine. 

With a gloomy face, Aaron takes the lead. "This is it." 

The air is thick with dust and the smell of something nasty as we enter. The hairs on the back of my neck stand on edge, and my heart is racing. Something sinister, something dark, is present here. 

Lucian moves with measured and cautious steps. I follow closely, my heart thumping in my ears. To make matters worse, the building is oddly quiet. 

Then we spot them. 

Human bodies. There were dozens of them, spread across the floor like abandoned toys. As my stomach turns, I grip Lucian's arm as my breath catches in my throat. 

Aaron whispers, "They're tidying up loose ends," his face pale. "They want no one to speak." 

Lucian's eyes darken and his mouth tightens. "It's too late." 

As I absorb the graphic scene, I am sick to my stomach. These people were merely pawns in a game that we don't completely understand. And now they are dead, as if they never were. 

Lucian takes a step forward and looks around the room. "No one is left," he says, his voice filled with anger. "They're hiding where they are." 

My heart hurts for Lucian and the lives lost, so I take a step toward him. I see how much of a toll this is having on him and how much duty he feels. Even though he is making every effort to keep everyone safe, it is not possible to save them all. 

I say, "Lucian," as I put my hand on his arm. 

His eyes briefly soften as he turns to face me. "I'm sorry you must witness this." 

I take a step closer and shake my head. "Remember, I'm not going anywhere." 

He nods and looks at me for a moment before returning his attention to the dead. "We must leave this place before they return." 

Footsteps echo through the building as he finishes speaking. I turn, my pulse racing, my heart jumping into my throat. 

Lucian, his eyes wide with fear, takes hold of my hand. "Leap." 

The footsteps behind us get louder as we run toward the exit. Fear and excitement are rushing through me as my heart thuds in my chest. However, a dark figure moves in front of us as we approach the door, blocking our way. 

Clara is here. 

She looks down at us with an icy, deadly smile. "Are you going somewhere?" 

Lucian moves tensely in front of me. "Avoid getting in our way." 

Clara shakes her head and laughs. "I don't believe so. You've been becoming involved with stuff you don't understand. 

Lucian puts his protective hand around mine and tightens it. But Clara's smile grows before he can reply. 

With a tone full of hate, she says, "Lucian, it's too late." "The hunt is already underway." 

The doors crash behind us, shutting us inside before I can react. We hear footsteps all around us as Clara's men come out of the darkness, their swords shining in the low light. 

We are trapped.