The tension inside the small booth was suffocating. Elena's sharp smile, though alluring as always, hid layers of deceit, and Serena knew it. Sitting across from her was like negotiating with a snake—one wrong move, and the venom would strike. But right now, they needed Elena, no matter how poisonous the alliance might be.
Serena leaned back, crossing her arms. "We'll get you out of here and away from the Covenant's reach. But if we do this, we want everything you know about the third artifact. No tricks, no half-truths."
Elena's smile widened, her fingers idly toying with the stem of her wine glass. "You know me, Serena. I never play games."
Rebecca snorted softly from behind Serena, her disbelief palpable. Elena raised an eyebrow, acknowledging the skepticism but not addressing it. "Fine," Elena said, her tone light but edged with amusement. "You help me, and I'll give you the information you need. But let me remind you—once the Covenant knows you've sided with me, there'll be no turning back. You'll be even bigger targets than you already are."
"We'll take our chances," Serena replied, her voice cold. "Let's get this done."
Elena stood gracefully, smoothing out her dress as she gave them a sidelong glance. "Shall we, then?"
Rebecca exchanged a quick look with Serena, and Serena gave a subtle nod. The decision had been made—there was no going back now. Alex, who had remained silent throughout the conversation, pushed himself to his feet with a wince, his hand resting lightly on his side where the bruises from the Covenant's torture still ached.
They left the booth, the sound of their footsteps lost in the quiet hum of the auction continuing below. The air between them was thick with mistrust, but Serena knew they had no choice. Elena held the key to the third artifact, and without that information, they'd be running blind.
The group made their way down the dimly lit hallway, carefully navigating through the opulent corridors of the auction house. Serena kept her eyes on every exit, every shadow, her instincts screaming that they were walking into a trap. But they had prepared for this. Rebecca had already mapped out an escape route, and they had backup plans in place. Still, Serena's fingers itched toward the gun hidden beneath her jacket, ready for whatever might come next.
As they reached the main floor, Elena's posture shifted slightly, her confidence radiating like a second skin. She knew she was under their protection now, and she was clearly enjoying it. The auction's crowd thinned as the night wore on, but Serena could feel the presence of eyes on them. Not everyone here was a buyer—there were always those who worked for dangerous factions, scouting for opportunities or threats.
They slipped out of the main entrance of the auction house, blending into the bustling streets of Paris. The night was cool, a light drizzle beginning to fall, making the cobblestones glisten under the streetlights. Serena quickened her pace, keeping Elena close but scanning the surroundings for any sign of pursuit. They had to get Elena to the safehouse before the Covenant—or anyone else—realized she was no longer inside.
"We've got a car waiting two blocks from here," Rebecca said softly, leading the way down a narrow side street. "Once we're clear, we'll head straight for the rendezvous point."
Elena followed closely, her heels clicking softly against the wet pavement. She seemed almost too calm, which only fueled Serena's distrust. Elena thrived in chaos—this was just another game to her.
As they neared the car, Serena felt a shift in the air. Her instincts flared, and she slowed her pace, scanning the street ahead. Something wasn't right. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end, and she signaled for the others to stop.
"What is it?" Alex whispered, his voice low and tense.
Serena didn't answer, her eyes narrowing as she spotted movement further down the street. A dark figure emerged from the shadows, followed by two more. They weren't Covenant soldiers—not in their standard attire. These were mercenaries, hired guns, and Serena's stomach twisted. Whoever they were, they weren't here to buy art.
"We're not alone," Serena muttered under her breath, her hand inching toward her weapon.
Rebecca's expression hardened, her own senses picking up on the threat. "We need to move. Now."
But as they turned to retreat, more figures stepped out from the alleyways behind them, cutting off their escape. They were surrounded.
Elena's smile was gone, her eyes sharp as she assessed the situation. "Looks like someone else wants a word with us," she said lightly, though there was tension in her voice.
Serena cursed under her breath. The mercenaries had boxed them in, and there were too many of them to fight head-on. This wasn't just a random attack—it had been planned. Someone knew they were here.
"I don't suppose you planned for this?" Elena asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she glanced at Serena.
Serena ignored her, her mind racing. They needed an out, and fast.
"We'll create a distraction," Serena whispered to Rebecca. "You get Alex and Elena out of here. Take the alley to the left—it's narrow enough that they won't be able to follow easily. I'll meet you at the car."
Rebecca's eyes widened. "Are you serious? You can't—"
"There's no time!" Serena cut her off, her voice firm. "Go. Now."
Rebecca hesitated, her gaze flicking to Alex, who gave her a tight nod. "I'll handle it," he muttered, wincing as he straightened up. "Get them out."
Serena watched as Rebecca, Alex, and Elena moved toward the alley, slipping into the shadows just as the mercenaries advanced. She drew her gun, her body tense as she stepped into the street, ready to face the threat head-on.
The leader of the mercenaries, a tall, grizzled man with a scar running down the side of his face, eyed Serena with a calculating gaze. "Hand over the girl," he growled, his voice deep and gravelly. "This doesn't have to get messy."
Serena's grip tightened on her weapon. "You're too late."
Without warning, Serena fired. The shot rang out, and the mercenaries scattered, shouting orders as they ducked for cover. Serena moved quickly, darting behind a parked car as bullets whizzed past her, the sound of gunfire echoing through the narrow street.
She had to buy them time. If Rebecca, Alex, and Elena could make it to the car, they might still have a chance to escape. But Serena knew she was outnumbered, and the mercenaries were closing in fast.
Her heart pounded as she fired again, taking out one of the advancing men, but more were coming. She couldn't hold them off forever.
Just as she was about to make a break for it, a second group of mercenaries rounded the corner, cutting off her escape route. Serena's stomach dropped. They were closing in, and she was running out of time—and options.
But then, from the corner of her eye, she saw a flicker of movement. A figure appeared from the shadows, moving with deadly precision.
Adrian.
He struck the mercenaries with brutal efficiency, taking down two of them before they even realized he was there. Serena's heart leapt in her chest. He had followed them, waiting in the wings. Why was he here?
Adrian looked up, his cold smile meeting her eyes as the last of the mercenaries fell at his feet.
"Need a hand?" he said, his voice dripping with amusement.
Serena exhaled sharply, her heart still racing. She had no idea why Adrian had shown up, or what his real motives were, but one thing was clear.
The game had just gotten a lot more complicated.
And Adrian, for better or worse, was now part of it.