The echo of hurried footsteps filled the narrow tunnel as Heaven clutched Michael's hand tightly, supporting his fragile frame. Maya led the way with a flashlight, her gun drawn, every sense alert.
"Where does this lead?" Heaven asked, her voice trembling more from fear than the cold.
"To a secondary safehouse in the woods," Maya answered, glancing back at her. "It's secluded. They won't find you there."
Michael coughed softly, leaning into Heaven's side. "I'm tired…"
"I know, baby," Heaven whispered, pressing a kiss to his damp forehead. "We're almost there. Stay with me."
Suddenly, a metallic clang echoed from behind them.
Maya's flashlight flickered. Her eyes sharpened. "Keep moving. Don't stop, no matter what."
Heaven's blood ran cold. Someone was in the tunnel. And they were gaining.
---
Meanwhile – The King's Return
Dylan stormed into the war room, his eyes sweeping across the map. Everything was unraveling. Richard hadn't come for the docks—he had come for Heaven and Michael. For his heart.
He should have known.
Jayden stood silently at his side, still nursing a bruise from the last fight.
"They escaped through the tunnel system," he said. "But we lost contact. Maya stopped answering."
Dylan's jaw flexed. "Send a team to intercept them at the exit point. I want guards surrounding the secondary safehouse."
"Yes, Boss."
"And if you fail," Dylan added coldly, "don't come back."
---
The Encounter
Maya reached the exit first and pushed Heaven and Michael ahead of her into the cold night. But before she could climb out, a sharp noise behind her made her freeze.
A shadow detached itself from the tunnel wall—tall, broad-shouldered, and armed.
"Well, well…" the man said, stepping forward. "The princess and her little prince."
Heaven recognized the voice—icy, mocking.
It was Elric, Richard's top enforcer.
"Run!" Maya screamed.
Heaven grabbed Michael and bolted through the trees, branches clawing at her as panic fueled her limbs. Gunfire exploded behind them.
---
Sanctuary?
An SUV skidded into view just as Heaven stumbled into the clearing, holding a pale and wheezing Michael. The door swung open—Dylan stepped out, his eyes blazing.
"Heaven!"
She nearly collapsed at the sound of his voice, but forced herself forward. "Take him! Please!"
Dylan scooped Michael into his arms and barked orders at his team. Jayden and two others charged into the woods, gunfire following them.
Dylan's eyes dropped to Heaven. "Are you hurt?"
"No…" she whispered, but her knees buckled anyway. Dylan caught her, holding her tight against his chest.
"You're safe now," he murmured. "No one's ever going to touch you again."
---
Meanwhile – In the Dark
Richard stood before a burning map of Dylan's empire, a cruel smile on his lips.
"So... she made it out."
Elise nodded, panting from the run. "Elric failed. Dylan got to her first."
Richard didn't flinch. "That was just a taste. Next time, I'll be the one holding the knife."