Bab 51: Fire in the Blood
The next few days passed in a haze of tension. The mansion, once a sanctuary of power and control, felt like a fortress on the verge of collapse. Dante's men were on high alert, their eyes sharp and their weapons always within reach. Every sound, every shadow, felt like a prelude to Maria's next strike.
I stayed close to Dante, not because I needed his protection but because I needed him. His presence was my anchor amidst the chaos, a reminder that no matter how dark the storm became, I wasn't facing it alone.
The Plan Unfolds
Dante gathered his trusted men in the war room, a cold, steel-lined space in the depths of the mansion. Maps and blueprints covered the large table in the center, and the air buzzed with the low hum of voices exchanging strategies.
I stood by the doorway, watching as Dante leaned over the table, his expression sharp and unrelenting.
"She's regrouping," he said, his voice firm. "The destruction of her safe house won't slow her down for long. If anything, it will push her to retaliate even harder."
Victor nodded. "We've intercepted chatter from her inner circle. She's planning something big."
"What kind of 'big' are we talking about?" I asked, stepping into the room.
The men glanced at me, their expressions a mixture of respect and hesitation. Dante's gaze softened as it landed on me, but his tone remained authoritative.
"A direct attack on the mansion," he said. "She wants to end this, Elizabeth, and she's willing to bring the fight to our doorstep."
The weight of his words pressed down on me, but I refused to let fear take hold. "Then we'll be ready."
A Moment of Weakness
Later that night, I found Dante in his study, a glass of whiskey in his hand and a storm in his eyes. He sat in the leather armchair by the fireplace, the flickering flames casting shadows across his sharp features.
"Dante?" I said softly, stepping into the room.
He didn't look at me, his gaze fixed on the fire. "I've fought wars, Elizabeth. I've stared death in the face more times than I can count. But this… this feels different."
I walked over to him, kneeling by his side and placing my hand over his. "Why?"
He turned to me, and for a moment, I saw something I rarely saw in him: vulnerability.
"Because now I have something to lose," he said, his voice low.
The words hit me like a punch to the gut. I squeezed his hand, my resolve hardening.
"You're not going to lose me," I said firmly. "We're in this together, Dante. Whatever comes, we'll face it head-on."
His lips twitched into a faint smile, and he reached out to cup my face. "How did I ever deserve you?"
"You didn't," I said, my tone light but my heart heavy. "But here we are."
He chuckled softly, the sound like a balm to my frayed nerves.
The Calm Before the Storm
The next day, preparations for the impending attack intensified. Every inch of the mansion was fortified, and every member of Dante's crew was assigned a role. Even Marissa, who rarely showed emotion, seemed on edge.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of crimson and gold, Dante pulled me aside.
"Stay in the safe room tonight," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
I frowned. "I can't just hide while you're out there fighting."
"You can and you will," he said, his eyes blazing. "I need to know you're safe, Elizabeth. If something happens to you—"
"Nothing is going to happen to me," I interrupted, placing my hands on his chest. "Because you're going to make sure of it."
He sighed, pulling me into a tight embrace. "You're impossible."
"And you love me for it," I said, trying to lighten the mood.
His chuckle rumbled against my cheek. "That I do."
The First Blow
Night fell, and with it came the first signs of trouble. A loud explosion shattered the stillness, followed by the sound of gunfire.
I was in the safe room, as Dante had insisted, but my heart raced with every echo of the battle outside. Marissa stood by the door, her weapon at the ready, her expression as cold as steel.
"They're here," she said, her voice calm despite the chaos.
"I need to be out there," I said, rising from the couch.
"No," Marissa said sharply. "Dante's orders were clear."
I clenched my fists, frustration boiling inside me. "And what if he needs me?"
"He needs you alive," she said, her gaze piercing.
Before I could argue further, the door burst open, and one of Dante's men stumbled in, blood staining his shirt.
"They've breached the east wing," he said, his voice strained.
Marissa nodded, her expression unchanging. "Stay here," she said to me before following the man out.
A Dangerous Choice
The minutes stretched into hours, and the sounds of battle grew louder. I couldn't sit idly by any longer. Grabbing the small pistol Dante had given me for emergencies, I slipped out of the safe room.
The mansion was unrecognizable, with smoke filling the air and debris littering the floors. I moved cautiously, my heart pounding as I searched for Dante.
I found him in the grand hall, locked in a brutal fight with one of Maria's men. His movements were swift and precise, but I could see the exhaustion in his eyes.
"Dante!" I called out, raising my gun.
He turned just as the man lunged at him, and without hesitation, I pulled the trigger. The sound of the gunshot echoed through the hall, and the man crumpled to the ground.
Dante stared at me, a mixture of relief and anger flashing across his face.
"What the hell are you doing out here?" he demanded, striding over to me.
"Saving you," I said, my voice shaking but defiant.
He pulled me into a fierce embrace, his breath warm against my ear. "You're going to be the death of me, Elizabeth."
"But I'm also the one keeping you alive," I said, my grip on him tightening.
The Aftermath
By the time the sun rose, the battle was over. Maria's forces had been pushed back, but the cost was high. Dante's men were battered and bloodied, and the mansion bore the scars of the attack.
As we stood in the wreckage of the grand hall, Dante turned to me, his expression unreadable.
"This isn't over," he said.
I nodded, my resolve unshaken. "Then we keep fighting."
And as he pulled me close, I knew that no matter what Maria threw our way, we would face it together.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone