CHAPTER 65: PLAYING WITH FIRE

"You hesitate, you lose."

The traitor spoke in a calm, almost humorous tone. With its barrel fixed on Jeo, the rifle in their hands

remained steady.

My hands weren't solid, but I strengthened my hold on my weapon. I was far above dread, not

because I was terrified. It was terrible.

I doubt it.

"You always were too sentimental, Telsa."

The grin remained on their face as they approached slowly. Victor knew you would be easily broken

because of this. You continue to hold onto nonexistent beliefs. Trust and loyalty. Second chances.

Even though Jeo remained motionless, I could sense the strain leaving him. He waited. Observing.

Making calculations.

But the traitor was, too.

Saying, "Tell me something," "If you had to pick right now—Jeo or yourself—who do you think Victor

would want alive?"

My stomach clenched into a frigid knot.

There was more to this than who left.

It was a test.

And we both perished if I gave the wrong response.

The Bet

My thoughts were racing as I licked my lips.

They would have me at their mercy if I dropped my firearm.

Joe would suffer the consequences if I didn't.

"You think you’re in control?" Stunting, I asked.

The betrayer laughed. "I know I am."

They didn't fire, though.

They were anticipating something.

No, they were anticipating my arrival.

I tried to keep my voice steady. "Here, you don't make the calls. Victor does. He also opposes Jeo's

death.

The grin wavered. For a moment only.

However, it was sufficient.

"Jeo." His name was hardly audible to me.

He got it.

Jeo lunged before the traitor could respond.

The air was divided by one gunshot.

My shoulder ached like hell.

My weapon slipped from my grasp as I staggered back.

Joe, however, had already caught up to them and had slammed their hand against the wall, removing

the gun from them.

I forced myself to remain upright while gritting my teeth against the searing pain.

No time to reflect.

There is no time to bleed.

I turned and picked up the fallen gun.

Jeo was pushed back just as the traitor twisted loose.

I let go.

The bullet slammed into the wall next to them after missing by an inch.

They made no hesitation.

They took off running.

"Dammit!" I grabbed Jeo's arm as he surged off the ground, preparing to chase.

"No," I spoke in a raspy voice. "They’re leading us into a trap."

He gritted his teeth. "We can’t just let them go."

"We don’t have a choice."

My blood loss was excessive. My mind was racing.

Furthermore, we wouldn't have escaped if we had encountered Victor right now.

Joe didn't protest, but he muttered obscenities.

Survival was paramount for the time being.

Running Away

We walked quickly, avoiding bodies—some unconscious, others dead—as we slipped down the

hallways.

The entire area smelled like blood and gunpowder.

Victor's men remained in the field.

Not far behind would be the traitor.

Muttering, "We need an exit," Jeo said.

With blood-stained fingers gripping my shoulder, I looked around the corridor.

"There." At the far end is a metal door. Partially open.

Jeo nodded and continued.

I followed, feeling heavier with each step.

We persevered and entered the chilly night air.

The smell of smoke blended with rain.

However, there was a problem.

Too silent.

Not a siren. No fallback.

I looked across at Jeo. "Why aren’t they chasing us?"

He gave a quick breath. "Because they don’t need to."

Then I noticed it.

Victor was waiting across the street, lurking in the shadows like a ghost.

And he wasn't by himself.

The Actual Trap

"Going somewhere?"

Victor spoke in a soft, leisurely tone.

He was surrounded by armed men.

There were more people than us. Once more.

Joe raised his weapon. "I'll venture a guess. Did you also plan this?

Victor grinned. "Obviously. I had faith that you would find a way out.

His eyes strayed to me.

"But you—" He tsked. "Elena I had higher expectations. You're more intelligent than this.

I swallowed forcefully, keeping my face expressionless. "If you knew we’d escape, then why wait?"

Victor laughed. "Because, sweetheart, now you owe me something."

My stomach turned over.

"What do you want?"

His eyes gleamed as he took a step forward. "A deal."

I remained motionless. "Not interested."

"Oh, but you will be."

He smirked and cocked his head. "Because Jeo dies if you don't take it." At this very moment. At this

moment, the air became electrified.

I sensed the weight of Jeo's gaze, yet he didn't flinch.

The men of Victor raised their arms.

Awaiting.

Challenging me to choose.

And I became aware that I was playing with fire for the second time that evening.

I was going to get burned, too.