The night air hit Isabella like a shock of ice as she and Alexander burst onto the rooftop. The city stretched beneath them, glittering and indifferent to the war unfolding above.
Claire and Damian were already there, setting up their escape plan.
"Chopper's en route," Claire called over the wind. "Two minutes out."
They didn't have two minutes.
The rooftop door slammed open behind them.
Langston's men poured out, weapons raised.
Isabella and Alexander ducked behind the rooftop's steel vents as bullets shredded the concrete.
Damian fired back, cursing. "We're sitting ducks up here!"
Alexander's jaw clenched. "We have to hold them off until the chopper arrives."
Langston himself emerged from the stairwell last, calm, confident, untouched by the chaos around him. He adjusted his cufflinks and sighed.
"You know, Isabella, I gave you chances. I offered you power. A future."
She glared at him, breathing heavily. "You offered me chains."
Langston shook his head. "And now you've forced me to destroy you."
His men fanned out, closing in.
No escape. No more running.
Isabella's grip tightened on her gun. "Then let's end this."
A flash grenade exploded near their cover, forcing them into the open.
Gunfire erupted.
Alexander dropped two men with clean shots. Damian and Claire moved in sync, keeping their attackers at bay.
Isabella charged toward Langston.
He dodged her first attack. But not the second.
She slammed her elbow into his jaw, sending him stumbling back. His smirk finally faltered.
For the first time, he looked truly angry.
But before she could press her advantage
The sound of helicopter blades cut through the air.
Their ride had arrived.
Claire signaled from across the rooftop. "Time's up! Move!"
Alexander grabbed Isabella's hand, pulling her toward the edge where a rope ladder dangled from the chopper.
Langston's voice rang out behind them.
"This isn't over."
Isabella smirked as she grabbed onto the ladder, wind whipping around her.
"I know."
Then, together, she and Alexander disappeared into the night.