"So, what's the plan?" Ava asked, her voice a hushed whisper, masking the storm of emotions inside her.
Kayden didn't reply, only nodded subtly toward the door. Ava understood—it was time to act.
Minutes later, Ava let out a bloodcurdling scream, pretending to be in agony. The sound echoed through the basement, drawing immediate attention. The door burst open, and three men in black stormed in, weapons at the ready.
"What is it now?" one of them growled.
The men quickly scanned the room and noticed Kayden was missing. Their suspicion turned to Ava.
"Where's the guy that was with you?" one demanded, his tone sharp.
Ava stammered, her voice shaking, "H-he escaped!"
The guards' eyes darted to the open window on the far side of the room.
"Search the area!" Roland, Michael's cold and calculating right-hand man, barked as he entered. His piercing gaze swept the room before focusing on Ava. "Don't stop until you find him. Bring him back alive!"
"Yes, sir!" the guards replied in unison, scattering to search. Roland left, but not before assigning three guards to stay with Ava.
"Don't let her out of your sight," he ordered.
Ava waited until the room settled into uneasy silence, then began to thrash violently, her breathing erratic.
"What's happening to her?" one guard asked, alarmed.
"She's having a seizure!" another shouted.
The guards rushed toward Ava, unsure of what to do. Kayden, hidden in the shadows, saw his chance. He gestured to Ava, signaling her to act.
Ava suddenly stopped thrashing and swung her bound legs, tripping the nearest guard. At that moment, Kayden charged out, striking with ruthless precision.
The guards quickly realized they'd been tricked. One drew his gun and started firing wildly, forcing Kayden to dive behind a dusty table for cover.
"No movement!" one guard barked. They cautiously approached the overturned table, weapons drawn.
As they closed in, Kayden used the element of surprise. Kicking the table over, he sent one of the guards sprawling. Chaos erupted as Kayden maneuvered into another hiding spot, keeping the remaining guards disoriented.
Kayden seized a wooden stick lying nearby. With speed and precision, he swung it hard at the first guard's head. The man dropped instantly.
The second guard turned, but Kayden jabbed the stick into his eyes. The man screamed in agony before collapsing.
The last guard, now furious, grabbed his gun and opened fire. Kayden dove for cover again, narrowly avoiding the bullets. Spotting a discarded pistol, he grabbed it and returned fire.
Meanwhile, Ava struggled to untie herself, her wrists raw and bleeding. She worked frantically as the sound of gunfire echoed through the basement.
Just as Kayden fired a final shot, hitting the last guard square in the forehead, Ava freed herself. She stumbled toward Kayden, relief etched on her face.
"Stay back!" Kayden shouted, his voice thick with urgency.
But Ava didn't heed his warning. As she approached, the last guard—clinging to life—pulled the trigger one last time.
The shot rang out, and Ava crumpled to the ground.
"Ava!" Kayden roared, rage and despair surging through him. Without hesitation, he raised his gun and fired, hitting the guard between the eyes.
Kayden dropped his weapon and rushed to Ava's side. Her blood seeped through her clothes, but she managed a weak smile.
"Does it hurt?" Kayden asked, his voice trembling.
"Not really," Ava whispered faintly.
She coughed, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth. "Thank you, Kayden... for saving me."
"No, don't thank me. Just hold on," Kayden pleaded.
Ava fainted in his arms, her body limp. Panic surged through him, but Kayden refused to give up. Gritting his teeth, he lifted her onto his back. Ignoring his own injuries, he escaped through the back door, disappearing into the night.
Kayden's breath came in ragged gasps as he sprinted through the darkened streets, Ava still unconscious on his back. His heart pounded, every step carrying him farther from the nightmare they had narrowly escaped. But just as he thought they might have a chance at freedom, a shout pierced the night.
"Over there!"
One of the Black men, a guard who had been sent to track them down, spotted Kayden and Ava. Without hesitation, he radioed for backup, and the sound of boots pounding against the pavement grew louder.
Kayden's pulse quickened. There was no time to lose. He bolted, pushing his body to its limits, but he knew he couldn't outrun them forever—not with Ava in his arms.
Then, just as hope seemed to fade, he heard the roar of an engine. A car was coming down the highway, headlights cutting through the darkness. Kayden dove into the middle of the road, waving his arms frantically.
The car slowed and stopped in front of him. The driver—a woman with short dark hair and determined eyes—quickly rolled down her window.
"Please, you have to help us!" Kayden gasped.
She studied him for a moment, then glanced at Ava. Without a word, she threw open the back door and nodded at Kayden. "Get in."
Kayden didn't hesitate. He climbed into the car, carefully placing Ava beside him. As the door slammed shut, gunshots rang out from the shadows. The Black men had arrived.
"Go! Now!" Kayden shouted.
The woman stepped on the gas, and the car shot forward with a screech of tires. The Black men chased them for a moment, but the woman's driving skills kept them at bay. She swerved and weaved through the narrow streets with expert precision, finally gaining enough distance to lose their pursuers.
Kayden let out a relieved breath, still holding Ava tightly.
"Thank you... thank you so much," Kayden breathed, his voice full of gratitude.
The woman smiled briefly, glancing at him in the rearview mirror. "You're welcome. You can call me Jia."
Kayden nodded. "I'm Kayden."
Jia's eyes darted back to Ava. The bloodstained clothes and the shallow rise and fall of Ava's chest made her worry.
"What's wrong with her?" Jia asked, her voice edged with concern.
"She was shot," Kayden replied, his voice tight. "I think she needs a doctor."
Jia's face hardened with determination. "I know a place. It's safe. Hold on." She pressed the pedal to the metal, and the car surged forward, taking them down a winding road.
Moments later, they pulled into the parking lot of a large white hospital. Jia quickly parked the car, and two nurses rushed out with a stretcher. They helped Kayden gently lift Ava and carry her inside.
Kayden stayed close, his eyes never leaving Ava's pale face as they entered the emergency room. His heart was in his throat.
"We'll take care of her," one of the nurses assured him.
Kayden nodded, watching as they wheeled Ava away. He was about to follow when Jia stopped him.
"Are you sure we're safe here?" Kayden asked, his voice low.
Jia smiled reassuringly. "Yes. My brother owns this hospital. We're safe."
Kayden exhaled, a sense of relief washing over him.
Inside the emergency room, Dr. Steve, a middle-aged man with a calm demeanor, ordered the nurses to transfer Ava to the operating room. Kayden, though exhausted, insisted on staying with her until the last possible moment.
As Kayden sat in the waiting area, Nurse Laura approached. "Are you a relative of the patient?" she asked softly.
Kayden nodded, his voice tight. "I'm the only family she has left. I'll sign for her operation."
"Thank you," Nurse Laura said, leading him to the desk where he could sign the necessary papers.
Jia, ever vigilant, made sure Kayden and Ava received the best possible care.
After some time, when the tension in his body had not fully eased, Kayden slipped outside to the balcony. He needed some air.
Jia was standing there, gazing out at the city lights, her posture calm but her eyes betraying the worry she was feeling.
Kayden moved toward her, his steps slow. "I don't even know how to thank you for what you've done for us... Thank you, Jia. I can't put it into words."
Jia turned to face him, her expression softening. "You don't have to thank me, Kayden. Just consider me part of your family. I'm doing this for my family too."
She reached out and placed a gentle hand on his. The simple act of kindness brought a sense of peace that Kayden hadn't realized he needed.
Dr. Steve, one of the doctors in charge of Ava's operation, walked into the waiting area where Jia and Kayden were anxiously waiting. His expression was serious, but not without a hint of relief.
"So, how is Ava? How is she doing? Is she okay? Is she alive?" Kayden fired off the questions in quick succession, his voice trembling with worry.
Jia and Dr. Steve exchanged a glance, both surprised at his panic.
"Calm down, Kayden. Let the doctor speak," Jia said, trying to steady the situation.
Dr. Steve took a breath. "The operation was successful, and she's alive, but there's a problem."
"What problem?" Kayden's voice was sharp with anxiety.
"She lost a lot of blood," Dr. Steve continued. "She needs a donor. The next 24 hours are critical for her."
Kayden didn't wait for the doctor to finish. He stood abruptly, his chair scraping loudly against the floor as he rushed toward Ava's room.
Dr. Steve and Jia exchanged a worried glance, rushing after him, fearing he might do something reckless. When they reached Ava's room, they found Kayden standing by her side, holding her hand and looking at her with intense affection.
Dr. Steve cleared his throat. "All we need is a donor," he repeated.
Kayden stood up, his jaw set with determination. "She's the only family I have left, same as her. We're both orphans, and I'm going to donate. It's the only way to save her."
Dr. Steve hesitated. "You can't. You're still recovering from your injuries. You have bruises, and you need rest. I strongly suggest we find her a donor from outside."
Kayden looked at him, his expression hardening. "She's my responsibility. I'm doing this."
Jia placed a hand on Kayden's shoulder. "Let's find her a donor, Kayden. You don't have to do this alone."
After some tense moments, Dr. Steve and Jia were able to find a donor, and Ava's condition started to improve. Kayden didn't leave her side. For two days, he sat by her, watching over her while Jia helped take care of her.
On the third day, Kayden decided it was time to freshen up. He went to take a quick shower, wanting to clear his head. Afterward, he checked on Ava, who was still asleep, before stepping out onto the balcony to get some air.
Just as he was lost in thought, Jia entered the room, carrying breakfast and a smile.
"Morning, Kayden!" Jia greeted cheerfully, but her voice startled him.
Kayden quickly turned around, his hand instinctively on his chest. "Oh my god! You're back."
Jia chuckled, setting the food on the table. "What are you doing over there? Your breakfast is ready."
"I'll join you in a bit," Kayden replied, his mind still heavy.
As Jia prepared the table, Ava stirred. She started coughing, slowly opening her eyes.
Jia's eyes widened in surprise. "Kayden! Ava's awake!"
Kayden rushed inside, a surge of relief flooding through him as he sat beside Ava.
"Where am I? And who are you?" Ava's voice was weak but filled with curiosity.
Kayden leaned closer. "Don't be afraid. You're safe here." His tone was gentle, but Ava flinched slightly, the tension of everything that had happened still coursing through her.
Kayden wrapped his arms around her, patting her back gently, trying to calm her.
Meanwhile, Jia watched them from the doorway, a warm smile on her face. She stepped forward, offering her hand. "Hi, I'm Jia," she said softly.
Ava looked at her with a confused expression, then turned back to Kayden. "Who is she?"
"She's the one who saved us and brought us here," Kayden explained, his voice filled with gratitude.
Ava smiled weakly, her eyes still tired but warm. "I'm sorry for acting like I did earlier. I'm Ava, and I can't thank you enough for saving us."
Jia smiled back. "No need to apologize. I'm just glad you're okay."
Kayden looked at Ava, a flicker of relief in his eyes as he squeezed her hand. "We're safe now."
Ava nodded, her grip on his hand tightening. "I know."