The silence between Sabrina and Nathaniel was oppressive as they went through the poorly lit corridor. The weight of what had just happened slammed against her chest like an iron vice.
She had refused to pull the trigger. But had she really won?
Victor's warning echoed in her mind. When the time comes, you might not get the luxury of saying no.
She looked at Nathaniel. His attitude was guarded, and his stance tight. He had defended her in that room, but he had not prevented Victor from putting her in that situation in the first place.
When they arrived at the main floor of Knight Industries' underground lair, she couldn't keep it in any longer.
"What the hell was that, Nathaniel?"
He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "You knew what you were stepping into."
"No, I didn't," she snapped, her voice sharp enough to cut through the air. "I knew your world was dangerous, but I didn't think I'd be handed a gun and told to execute someone like I was picking a goddamn menu item!"
Nathaniel's jaw clenched. "You made your choice, Sabrina. You stayed."
She scoffed. "So staying means becoming a killer?"
His eyes darkened. "Staying means understanding that this world doesn't operate on kindness. You don't get to pick and choose which parts you accept."
Her stomach twisted. She knew he was right. She had persuaded herself she could manage it, but tonight had revealed exactly how deep the damage was.
And yet, the most disturbing part wasn't the test itself. It was the way Victor had looked at her afterward—like she had passed, despite her refusal.
What did that mean?
"I need air," she muttered, turning on her heel.
Nathaniel didn't stop her.
Sabrina found herself on the rooftop of the Knight Industries building, the city spread out in front of her in a sea of neon and shadows. The cold night air ignited her skin, but she enjoyed it.
She leaned on the railing and gripped the edge tightly. She'd knew Nathaniel's world was dangerous, but this? This was something else.
"You handled yourself well tonight."
She tensed at the voice behind her.
Victor.
She turned to find him standing a few feet away, hands in his pockets, his eyes studying her like she was a puzzle he was still trying to solve.
"I didn't do anything," she said flatly.
Victor smirked. "Exactly."
She frowned. "What does that mean?"
He stepped closer, his presence commanding despite his casual stance. "Most people panic in situations like that. They either break and obey, or they crumble under the pressure. You did neither."
Sabrina crossed her arms. "So what? You respect me now?"
Victor chuckled. "Respect is earned, Miss Vance. But you did surprise me." His smirk faded, his expression turning serious. "However, refusing to get your hands dirty doesn't mean you're safe. The people in this world don't care about your morals. When the time comes, you may have to make a choice you won't like."
Her throat felt tight, but she refused to let him see her fear. "I won't become a monster."
Victor tilted his head. "You say that now. But loyalty has a price, Sabrina. And whether you realize it or not, you're already paying it."
A chill ran down her spine.
He started to walk away but paused at the door. "Oh, and one more thing." He glanced over his shoulder. "Keep an eye on Knight. He's not as unbreakable as he pretends to be."
Then he was gone.
Sabrina let out a shaky breath.
Victor was right about one thing—she was already paying the price for her choice.
The question was, how much more was she willing to lose?
Nathaniel awaited her as she returned inside. His arms were folded, and his eyes looked tired.
"I need you to trust me," he said.
She let out a bitter laugh. "Trust? After tonight?"
He ran a hand through his hair. "I didn't know Victor would do that."
"You still let it happen," she shot back.
His expression darkened. "You think I had a choice?"
She faltered.
Nathaniel stepped closer, lowering his voice. "I don't have the luxury of defying Victor, Sabrina. If I did, I would have kept you far away from all of this."
Her heart clenched at the quiet frustration in his tone. He wasn't just protecting her. He was trapped too.
"I just…" She swallowed. "I don't know if I can do this, Nathaniel."
He exhaled, his gaze softening just slightly. "You don't have to become like them. But if you stay, you need to be prepared. Because whether you like it or not, you're a target now."
Her stomach twisted.
She had walked into this willingly. But now?
Now, there was no way out.
And that terrified her.