Chapter 54
chapter of her life was over. And yet, here he was, standing on the same cracked pavement, eyes locked on hers with an unreadable expression.
The announcer's voice echoed over the chaos. "Let's see if the challenger can survive this round!"
Her adversary gave a slow, deliberate smile, stepping forward. "Didn't expect to see me again, did you?"
A rush of emotions hit Isabella at once-disbelief, anger, confusion. But now wasn't the time for questions. The fight had already begun.
She barely avoided the first strike, her instincts kicking in. A fist whizzed past her face, missing her by an inch. Moving quickly, she countered with a sharp jab to his ribs. He staggered slightly but recovered fast.
"You've improved," he remarked, circling her.
"Wish I could say the same about you," she shot back, dodging another attempt to knock her down.
The fight was merciless. She took a hit to the shoulder that sent a sharp jolt of pain through her arm. Gritting her teeth, she retaliated with a forceful kick, forcing him backward.
Blows were exchanged, neither willing to yield. The crowd roared in approval, their cheers blending into one deafening sound.
Then, suddenly, her opponent stopped. Just like that.
Isabella hesitated, breath coming in sharp bursts.
He leaned in, voice low so only she could hear. "You're in danger. You need to leave."
She stiffened. "What?"
"No time." His eyes flickered to something-or someone-beyond her. "They're watching."
And then, to her shock, he dropped to the ground, feigning unconsciousness.
The bell rang.
She had won.
But something told her she had just lost in a much bigger game.
The fight ends in a way no one expected.
The mansion reeked of wealth-too much of it. The air was thick with the scent of polished wood, expensive cigars, and the faint trace of deception. Opulence dripped from every corner, yet it felt hollow, like a golden prison.
Isabella, Jayden, Liana, and a barely conscious Enzo were led through towering doors into a lavish chamber. Their escort-armed guards whose silence spoke louder than words-ensured they didn't stray.
Jayden whispered, "This feels like the beginning of every bad decision we've ever made."
Liana exhaled sharply. "Or the end of one."
A figure lounged behind a massive desk, exuding authority. He barely glanced at them before swirling a glass of deep red liquid in his hand.
"Ah," he mused. "The troublemakers have arrived."
Jayden tilted his head. "Do you practice being this cliché, or does it come naturally?"
The man ignored him, turning his full attention to Isabella. "You've been very busy."
She held his gaze. "And you've been very annoying."
His chuckle was slow and deliberate. "Charming."
Isabella was done with games. "Enough. You dragged us here. Start talking."
The man leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "Tell me something, Isabella. Do you truly believe you're the center of all this?"
A chill ran through her.
"Revenge? Power? Is that what you think this is about?" His tone was almost amused.
Isabella clenched her jaw. "Enlighten me."
"You were never the goal," he said. "Neither was your companion."
The realization hit like a punch to the gut.
"Then what is?" she asked, pulse quickening.
He rose, walking slowly to the window, gazing down at the city below. "Everything."
Jayden shifted uncomfortably. "Define 'everything.'"
The man's smile was cold. "The streets, the people, the very foundation of this place. And soon, it will all be ashes."
Liana's expression darkened. "You're bluffing."
The man exhaled, a hint of amusement still in his eyes. "Am I?"
The first explosion rocked the building.
Isabella's stomach twisted.
Smoke curled into the sky as distant screams pierced the air.
The city was already burning.
The city itself is about to burn.
Flames consumed the skyline. From the rooftop, Isabella watched as chaos spread below.
Buildings crumbled. The air shimmered with heat, glowing embers floating like fireflies in the night.
The weight of it pressed down on her. The choice she had to make.
Enzo stood beside her, his injuries barely slowing him down now. The flickering light of the fire painted his face in harsh shadows.
"You should rest," she murmured, not taking her eyes off the destruction.
He smirked, voice rough. "Not exactly tired."
Behind them, footsteps approached.
Their captors. Their enemies. Their executioners.
The leader stepped forward, flanked by guards with fingers hovering over triggers. His confidence was infuriating.
"You have a choice," he announced, hands in his pockets like this was just another business deal. "Walk away, or be buried with the ruins."
Isabella didn't move.
Jayden and Liana exchanged glances.
Enzo let out a slow breath. "He's serious."
Jayden muttered, "For once, I'd love to be dealing with someone who isn't."
Liana cracked her knuckles. "I don't like either option."
Isabella weighed her choices.
She could run. Leave this behind. Save herself and those she cared about.
Or-
She could fight.
Her heart pounded, a silent drumbeat of resolve.
She turned to Enzo, eyes searching his. "No regrets?"
His grin was small but certain. "Not one."
Jayden groaned. "This is the part where we make the dramatic stand, isn't it?"
Liana smirked. "Looks like it."
The enemy leader exhaled, clearly bored. "Time's up."
Isabella stepped forward.
"You want my answer?"
Her fingers curled around her weapon.
Gunfire split the night.
Isabella makes her choice. Gunfire erupts.