The explosion tears through the night, a thunderous roar that shakes the ground beneath my feet.
I didn’t expect it to spiral this far-definitely not this fast. What was supposed to be a subtle sabotage has ignited something far more dangerous.
I crouch behind a concrete wall, the acrid smell of smoke thick in the air as gunfire echoes from every direction.
Ethan’s men and Xavier’s forces are locked in a brutal battle, and there’s no telling who will come out on top.
This wasn’t part of the plan. Innocent workers are screaming, scrambling to escape the crossfire, and the sound of shattering glass and ricocheting bullets is deafening.
I told myself this was necessary-that I could control the outcome. But I was wrong. Horribly, stupidly wrong.
I peek around the corner, watching as Ethan’s men storm through the north warehouse, their guns blazing.
Xavier’s soldiers return fire from the upper levels, but they’re outnumbered and desperate. I can feel the tension, the fury, radiating from both sides.
I can’t stay here much longer-if I get caught in this mess, I’m dead. But pulling back now means leaving the destruction to unfold unchecked, and the blood on my hands already feels heavy enough.
I hit the speed dial on my phone, calling Victor, my breath shallow as I try to make sense of the madness around me.
Victor: “Alyssa?”
Alyssa: “What the hell is happening? This was supposed to be controlled!” I shout over the chaos. “It’s turning into a damn war zone!”
Victor hesitates on the other end, and the silence feels damning.
Victor: “Ethan saw the opportunity and… escalated things. There was no stopping him. Once the first shot was fired-”
Alyssa: “Spare me the excuses!” My voice sharpens with frustration. “You promised me we could keep this from getting out of control.”
A bullet pings off the wall just inches from my head. I duck instinctively, heart pounding in my chest. Victor’s betrayal is only part of the problem now. The situation is unraveling faster than I can contain it.
Alyssa: “Pull Ethan’s men back, now. I don’t care what you have to do-stop them before more innocent people die.”
Victor: “It’s too late for that.” His voice is grim. “Ethan wants Xavier finished. He won’t stop until it’s done.”
The line goes dead, and I curse under my breath. This isn’t just a skirmish anymore-it’s a war, and it’s one I can’t afford to lose.
I make my way toward the exit, trying to navigate through the chaos without getting caught in the crossfire. But just as I round a corner, I come face-to-face with Xavier.
His shirt is soaked in blood-whether it’s his or someone else’s, I don’t know-and his eyes are blazing with fury.
Xavier: “You think you’re clever, don’t you?” His voice is low, dangerous. “Playing both sides, pulling the strings.”
I don’t flinch. I expected this confrontation eventually-just not in the middle of a war zone.
Alyssa: “You’re delusional if you think I planned all this. Ethan took the bait on his own.”
Xavier: “Spare me.” He steps closer, towering over me. “I know you fed him the intel. I know you played me.” His hands clench into fists at his sides. “The only question is-are you ready to pay the price?”
I meet his gaze head-on, even as my pulse races. This is it. The moment I knew was coming. I gambled with fire, and now Xavier wants to know if I can handle the burn.
Alyssa: “What do you want, Xavier? A confession? Fine. I gave Ethan false intel. But not to destroy you.”
His jaw tightens, his nostrils flaring as he stares me down. I can see the calculation in his eyes-the struggle between anger and something darker.
Xavier: “Then why?” His voice is sharp, cutting. “What’s your endgame, Alyssa?”
For a moment, I consider telling him the truth-that I wanted them both to destroy each other so I could take everything. But I keep that thought locked away, deep where it belongs. No one can know what I really want. Not yet.
Alyssa: “I needed to weaken Ethan. He’s too dangerous. You know that better than anyone.”
Xavier laughs bitterly, the sound laced with venom. “And now you expect me to believe you’re on my side?”
He steps closer until there’s barely any space between us, his gaze pinning me in place. “If you want me to believe you, you’re going to prove it.”
Alyssa: “And how exactly do you expect me to do that?” I ask, even though I already know the answer.
Xavier leans in, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Deliver Ethan to me. Alive.”
The words hang between us like a loaded gun.
Alyssa: “And if I refuse?”
Xavier’s smile is cold, predatory. “Then you’d better pray I don’t find you first.”
I swallow hard, keeping my expression neutral. This is the price of playing both sides-eventually, you have to pick one.
But the problem is, I’m not sure either side can be trusted. Ethan will stop at nothing to use me as a weapon against Xavier, and Xavier… well, he’s already made it clear what happens if I cross him again.
I watch as Xavier steps back, the threat lingering in his gaze. “You have until sunrise.”
Then he turns and walks away, leaving me standing in the middle of the carnage, heart racing, mind spinning.
I pull out my phone, staring at the blank screen. Deliver Ethan to Xavier, or face the consequences.
But the truth is… I don’t know if I can do it.
As I stand there, a message buzzes on my phone. I open it-and my stomach drops.
It’s from Ethan.
Ethan: “We need to talk. Meet me at the old factory. Come alone.”
This is the game I’ve chosen to play-and now, there’s no way out.