### Chapter 14: Wrath in Silence
Lucas drove in silence. The road was empty, but his mind wasn't. Selena, Lily, and Neomi were in the backseat, still unconscious.
He checked the rearview mirror. They were safe now, but that didn't calm him. The Darlington family had crossed a line.
Lucas clenched the steering wheel. He had been patient. He had held back. But this? This was unforgivable.
When they arrived at the Rogers estate, he parked quickly. He got out and carried Selena inside. The staff helped with Lily and Neomi. Lucas's focus was on Selena. He gently placed her in bed and stayed by her side for a moment. She looked peaceful, but Lucas knew better. This peace wouldn't last unless he did something.
"I'll make sure they pay," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
He left the room, closing the door softly. His phone buzzed. It was Dominic.
"Warlord, we've tracked the Darlingtons," Dominic said. "They're hiding in one of their factories. The same one they took Selena to."
Lucas's eyes darkened. "What else?"
"The Darlingtons run several front businesses. But their real operations are much darker. They've made many enemies."
Lucas smirked. "Good. I'll handle this."
Dominic continued. "I've arranged a meeting with them, as you requested."
Lucas laughed, but there was no humor in it. "Perfect. Let's see if they enjoy it."
He hung up and walked outside. The night air was cold, but it didn't cool the fire burning inside him. He got into his car again and drove toward the factory. His grip on the steering wheel tightened with every mile.
***
At the factory, guards stood at the entrance. They looked relaxed. They had no idea what was coming.
Lucas pulled up and stepped out of his car. The guards noticed him, but didn't seem too concerned.
"Who are you?" one of the guards asked.
Lucas didn't answer. Instead, he moved quickly, faster than the guards could react. His fist connected with the first guard's jaw, sending him to the ground. The second guard reached for his weapon, but Lucas was faster. He knocked the guard out with a swift kick.
Two more guards ran toward him. Lucas grabbed one by the neck and threw him into the wall. The last guard hesitated, fear clear in his eyes.
Lucas glared at him. "Run."
The guard didn't need to be told twice. He fled, leaving his comrades behind.
Lucas stepped over the unconscious bodies and entered the factory.
***
Inside, the air was thick with tension. The dim lighting and the scent of rust added to the sense of decay. Lucas moved silently, his footsteps echoing in the empty halls.
He reached the room where Selena, Lily, and Neomi had been taken. The door was slightly open. Lucas pushed it fully open and stepped inside.
His heart stopped for a moment. Selena, Lily, and Neomi were lying on the floor, unconscious and bound. Nearby, a table was cluttered with chemicals and syringes. Vivian Darlington stood over them, her back turned. She was preparing something vile.
But then, she froze. She could feel it—the danger behind her. She tried to move, but she couldn't. Her entire body was paralyzed with fear.
Lucas stood at the entrance, his eyes blazing with rage. He looked at Selena, and his heart swelled with relief that she was still alive. Then, his gaze shifted to Vivian.
Vivian tried to speak, but no words came out. Her body trembled. She had never felt fear like this before.
Lucas moved swiftly, taking down the remaining guards in the room with ease. None of them even had time to react. When they were all down, Lucas turned back to Vivian.
"Who gave you the right?" Lucas's voice was calm, but the rage beneath it was unmistakable.
Vivian couldn't answer. She was frozen in place, terrified beyond comprehension.
Lucas stepped forward. His hand tightened around Vivian's throat, but he didn't squeeze. He leaned in close, his voice cold and lethal.
"This is your last mistake," he whispered.
Vivian's eyes widened in terror.
Without another word, Lucas let go and turned back to Selena. He carefully untied her, then did the same for Lily and Neomi. They were still unconscious but unharmed. He picked up Selena in his arms and walked out of the factory, Lily and Neomi close behind him.
He didn't look back.
The night air hit his face as he carried Selena to his car. He placed her in the backseat, gently, as if she were made of glass.
Lucas stood outside the car for a moment, staring back at the factory. His eyes were filled with fury, but also determination. The Darlingtons would pay for what they had done.
And when they did, it would be the last time they hurt anyone.
Lucas got into the car, started the engine, and drove off into the night.
This wasn't over.