Chapter 37 Kill or Save?
Anna's POV
I took one last look at Zack. He was slipping away.
His men shielding him. Dragging him. Protecting him like he was the last god standing in a dying world.
My mission. Right there, right within my reach.
Then I turned away. My jaw tightened as I redirected my steps back toward Xavier.
I’ve made my choice. God help me… I hope I don’t regret it.
I raised the gun at fired at Zack's men, killing two of them on the spot.
They dropped instantly. Dead before their bodies hit the floor.
The men around Xavier shifted, startled, their formation breaking just enough.
I moved again, ready to take another shot—
Then more gunfire erupted from behind me.
I turned slightly and saw Lucas, with more men behind him.
Relief flickered through me as he stormed in with armed men, his presence shifting the balance immediately.
His men spread out, taking positions, firing with deadly coordination. Zack’s remaining men didn’t stand a chance. Within seconds, It was over.
My ears rang faintly as the last gunshot faded.
Then Xavier turned, his eyes landed on me. His brows furrowed, not with relief or gratitude, but
something else.
“Why did you leave where I told you to hide?” he asked.
My grip tightened slightly on the gun. “I saw you were in trouble.”
His expression didn’t soften. Not even a little. “You could have gotten yourself killed,” he said flatly. “Next time, don’t try to help me.”
I blinked. For a second, I thought I heard wrong.
I just saved his life. And this— This was his response?
A strange mix of disbelief and irritation rose in my chest, but I swallowed it down. This is Xavier. What did I expect? A thank you?
He turned away from me like the conversation didn’t matter. “Zack?” he asked Lucas.
Lucas stepped forward slightly. “He escaped. But he took a hit. Shoulder.”
Xavier nodded once. “Good,” he said, his voice darkening. “I want to be the one to kill him.”
Lucas hesitated for a second before asking, “What about the auction?”
Xavier didn’t answer immediately. His gaze drifted briefly… to me. Then back to Lucas. “I’ll decide later,” he said. “Take her home.”
Lucas nodded. “Yes, boss.”
Then Xavier looked at me again. “Before the night is over,” he said slowly, “you’ll know what I’ve decided about you.”
My throat tightened slightly. I didn’t respond. I just nodded once and turned away.
Lucas gestured toward the exit, and I followed him out.
The night air hit me the moment we stepped outside. It was too quiet after everything that just happened.
We got into the car and Lucas started the engine.
For a while, neither of us spoke. The silence stretched.
Then I broke it. “I saw Zack kill the man you planted.”
Lucas exhaled sharply. “Yeah… shit happens.” He tightened his grip on the steering wheel. “But I’ll come up with another plan,” he added. “I will get you out, Anna. One way or another.”
I nodded slowly.
“It’s not just about freedom anymore,” he continued. “Your life is in danger now.”
I knew that. I felt it. Every second. “How did Zack even get past Xavier’s security?” I asked.
Lucas shook his head. “We’ll figure that out later.”
A pause. “Right now, you need rest. After tonight…” he let out a breath, “I’m surprised you’re still holding it together.”
“I’m not,” I lied smoothly.
He gave a small, knowing huff. “Exactly why you shouldn’t think about it.”
I leaned back slightly. “What do you think Xavier will do next?”
Lucas went quiet for a moment. “I’ve known him for years,” he said finally. “And I still can’t predict him.”
A beat. “But one thing I know…” He glanced at me briefly. “He won’t hurt you.”
I didn’t respond. Because I wasn’t so sure.
We drove into the mansion. The gates opened and the car rolled in.
Lucas parked and turned off the engine. Then he looked at me. “I want to ask you something.”
I met his gaze.
“Why did you save him?”
My heart skipped.
“You had no reason to,” he continued. “If anything… his death would’ve made things easier for you.”
He wasn’t wrong.
“And you know that,” he added.
I looked away. Thought about it. Really thought about it.
Then I shook my head slightly. “I don’t know,” I said honestly. “Maybe… because everything with Marco started because of me.”
Lucas studied me. “You’re strange,” he said finally. “But you’ve got a good heart.”
I almost laughed.
“In this world?” he added quietly. “That gets people killed.”
I nodded. “Do you have a bad heart?” I asked.
He chuckled softly. “I don’t know.” Then he gestured toward the mansion. “Go inside.”
I opened the door. “Goodnight, Lucas.”
“Goodnight, Anna.”
I stepped out and walked inside. Straight to my room.
The moment I pushed the door open and stepped in— Arms wrapped around me.
“Anna…” Eve’s voice.
I froze for a second, then relaxed slightly.
She pulled back, scanning my face. “I was hoping you’d come back.”
“I’m hard to kill,” I said lightly.
Her eyes searched mine. “What happened?”
“Zack happened,” I replied. “He attacked.”
Her expression shifted instantly. “What about Xavier?”
“He’s fine,” I said, a small smile forming.
She exhaled. “Go shower,” she said. “I’ll bring you food.”
I nodded and went straight to shower.
The shower was quick: Hot water running down my skin, washing away blood that wasn’t even mine. But it didn’t wash away the feeling.
I changed into something light and sat for a moment, letting my body breathe.
Then I heard a knock on the door. “Come in,” I said, assuming it was Eve.
The door opened. And my breath caught.
It was Xavier. I stood up immediately. My body reacting before my mind could.
He didn’t speak at first. Just stood there. Watching me like he was trying to figure me out all over again.
Then he exhaled sharply. “Are you alright?” he asked.
I blinked. That… was unexpected. “People don’t ask that,” I said slowly, “unless they care.”
His gaze didn’t leave mine. “Then I won’t ask again,” he said.
I nodded slightly. “I think that’s better.”
Silence stretched between us. Then I swallowed lightly. “What have you decided to do with me?”