Bab 91: The Calm Before the Storm
The night felt like it was holding its breath.
I could feel the tension in the air as we prepared. Dante had been going over every detail with his men, while I stood in the corner of the room, my back against the cool wall, my fingers gripping the fabric of my clothes. I knew the stakes and understood the consequences, but my heart wouldn't stop racing.
I glanced toward Dante, who was speaking to a few of his men in low voices. His expression was serious, his eyes dark with the weight of what we were about to do. His usual confidence was there, but there was an edge to him now—a sharpness that made my stomach twist. He was ready to face whatever came, but I could see the flickers of doubt in his gaze whenever he turned toward me.
It was almost like he was waiting for me to say I wasn't ready. Waiting for me to ask him to call it off.
But I wasn't going to do that.
I was ready. Or at least, I had to be.
I stepped forward, crossing the room to him, my heels clicking softly on the floor. He looked up at me as I approached, his brow furrowing slightly. His hand reached for mine, but he hesitated for just a moment before taking it.
"I'm going with you," I said firmly, locking eyes with him.
"I told you," he replied, his voice tight, "this isn't your fight. You've been through enough already."
I didn't flinch at his words. I'd heard them before, but they didn't carry the weight they once had. "It's not about whether I've been through enough. It's about what comes next. Viktor needs to die, Dante. And I won't sit on the sidelines while you do what I can help with."
He opened his mouth to argue, but I shook my head, cutting him off. "You're not losing me, Dante. Not now. Not after everything."
For a long moment, he said nothing. Then, slowly, he nodded, but it wasn't with the satisfaction of victory—it was a reluctant acceptance. "Fine. But you follow my lead, Elizabeth. No more distractions. No more taking risks."
I met his gaze, unwavering. "I can handle myself."
Dante's expression softened slightly, but it was brief. The cold mask he wore slipped back into place, and his focus shifted to the task at hand.
It was going time.
---
We moved out in the early hours of the morning, the world still and quiet as we made our way toward Viktor's stronghold. The sound of our boots against the gravel was the only noise, and it felt as though every step echoed a thousand times in my mind. Every corner we turned, every shadow we passed, was a reminder of the danger that lay ahead.
The plan was simple—strike fast and hard. Dante would lead the charge, and his men would clear the way, ensuring no one escaped. But Viktor was no ordinary enemy. He'd planned for this. He knew we were coming.
We were walking into a storm.
---
As we approached the compound, my senses were on high alert. The air was thick with anticipation, the quiet unsettling in its intensity. I could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on me, but I was ready. Ready for this fight. Ready to take back everything Viktor had stolen from me, from us.
We made our way through the outer perimeter, moving with precision. My heart hammered in my chest, but there was no room for fear, not now. I was focused. Laser-focused.
We breached the first line of defense easily, the sound of gunfire quick and efficient. Dante led the way, his movements fluid, a blur of deadly grace. I followed close behind, every step purposeful, my weapon in hand, ready for whatever came next.
But then, the silence broke.
A loud explosion rang through the air, and the ground beneath us shook. I barely had time to register what was happening before we were surrounded. Viktor had been waiting for us.
A dozen men, armed to the teeth, poured from the shadows, their weapons drawn and aimed directly at us. The ambush had been set, and we had walked right into it.
Dante swore under his breath, his hand reaching for mine, pulling me to his side. "Get behind me," he ordered, his voice low and fierce.
I didn't argue. I knew better than to question him now. He was in full control, and I trusted him.
But Viktor wasn't done. From the shadows, his voice rang out—cold, mocking. "Did you think you could destroy me so easily?"
Dante's jaw clenched, his body going rigid at the sound of Viktor's voice. "This ends now, Viktor."
A laugh echoed through the night. "It's never over, Dante. You should have learned that by now."
And just like that, the fight began.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone