The moment the gunshot rang through the Red Chamber, the world seemed to slow. Gasps echoed, glasses shattered against the floor, and the sharp scent of gunpowder filled the air. Eleanor felt Alexander's strong grip tighten around her arm, yanking her backward before she could even process what had happened.
Sebastian moved fast, his instincts sharper than most. He had already drawn his gun, his body tense as his dark eyes scanned the room for the shooter. The once-exclusive gathering had descended into chaos. Guards rushed in, ushering the guests toward the exits, but Alexander didn't move.
Instead, he stood tall, his icy blue gaze locked onto the far end of the room—where a man in a bloodstained white suit lay slumped against the bar, a single bullet lodged between his eyes.
Eleanor's breath caught in her throat. Whoever had done this had perfect aim.
And yet, the real danger wasn't over.
Lucian Vale, the man who had spoken to her moments ago, stood across the room, a knowing smirk tugging at his lips. He looked utterly unbothered, as if he had expected this to happen.
Alexander, still holding Eleanor protectively, turned toward his brother. "Find the shooter. Now."
Sebastian, already moving, disappeared into the chaos.
Eleanor tried to steady her breathing. "Who was that man?" she asked, forcing herself to stay calm.
Alexander's jaw clenched. "A loose end."
His vague answer only fueled her frustration. "A loose end in what?"
Before he could respond, a second gunshot tore through the air. This time, it was closer.
Alexander reacted instantly, pulling Eleanor behind an overturned table as glass rained down around them. She could feel his body tense against hers, shielding her from danger.
Sebastian's voice crackled through the hidden earpiece Alexander wore. "Shooter's moving toward the east wing. I'm on him."
Lucian, still watching from a distance, raised his glass in an almost mocking toast before slipping out through a side door.
Eleanor saw red. Whoever this man was, he knew more than he let on.
Before Alexander could stop her, she pushed away from him and ran after Lucian.
"Eleanor!" Alexander cursed, shoving off the table and following her.
The Chase
Eleanor's heels clicked against the marble floors as she pushed past the panicked guests, moving swiftly through the dim corridors of the estate. The halls twisted and turned, but she kept her eyes on Lucian's retreating figure.
He wasn't running—he wanted her to follow.
A part of her screamed to turn back, to listen to Alexander's warnings, but something deeper—something reckless—pushed her forward.
Lucian slipped through a heavy wooden door at the end of the corridor. Eleanor followed, stepping into a darkened study, its walls lined with ancient books, the scent of old paper and expensive leather filling the air.
The door clicked shut behind her.
"You're braver than I expected, Mrs. Blackthorne."
Lucian's voice was smooth, amused. He stood near the grand mahogany desk, pouring himself a drink from a crystal decanter.
Eleanor stood her ground. "Who was that man? Why was he killed?"
Lucian took a slow sip before setting his glass down. "You ask dangerous questions."
She narrowed her eyes. "And you enjoy dancing around answers."
Lucian's smirk deepened. "Very well, then. Consider this your first lesson in the Blackthorne world—loyalty is a currency, and betrayal is always paid in blood."
Eleanor's stomach twisted. "And whose betrayal got him killed?"
Lucian stepped closer, his green eyes gleaming with interest. "Perhaps the better question is—who benefits from his death?"
Before she could respond, the door burst open.
Alexander.
His expression was murderous, his chest rising and falling with controlled fury. "Step away from her."
Lucian sighed dramatically. "Ah, Alexander, always so possessive."
Alexander ignored him and grabbed Eleanor's wrist, pulling her toward the door. "We're leaving."
Lucian chuckled. "Such a shame. She was just starting to ask the right questions."
Alexander's grip tightened as he led Eleanor back into the hallway, his pace brisk, his entire body radiating controlled rage.
When they were finally alone, he turned on her, his eyes blazing.
"What the hell were you thinking?"
Eleanor yanked her wrist free, meeting his fury with her own. "I was thinking that I'm tired of being kept in the dark!"
Alexander took a sharp breath, running a hand through his hair. "Do you have any idea how dangerous Lucian is?"
"I don't," she snapped. "Because you never tell me anything!"
His jaw clenched, frustration evident. "You want the truth, Eleanor?" He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. "Fine. The man who was killed tonight was working for someone trying to dismantle the Blackthorne empire from the inside."
Eleanor's breath hitched. "An informant?"
Alexander nodded. "And whoever killed him just sent a message."
Her pulse pounded. "A message for whom?"
Alexander's blue eyes darkened. "For me."
The realization sent a chill through her veins.
Someone wasn't just targeting the Blackthorne family. They were targeting Alexander specifically.
And by marrying into his world, Eleanor had just painted a target on her own back.
Next Chapter: A Deadly Bargain
As Eleanor grapples with the truth about the Blackthorne family's enemies, Alexander is forced to make a ruthless decision to protect her. But will his choices bring them closer—or push them further into the darkness?