Chapter 8 - THE DUST SETTLES
By sunrise, the gunfire had ceased entirely.
Dmitri opened the heavy vault doors, signaling that the estate was finally secure.
Lena rushed up the stairs, leaving Daniel safely behind.
The mansion was wrecked, with bullet holes decorating the expensive walls and shattered glass everywhere.
Victor was sitting on the ruined steps of the grand staircase, wiping soot from his face.
When he saw Lena, he dropped his rag and stood up.
Without a word, she ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck.
Victor held her tightly, burying his face in her hair, breathing in her scent.
"It is over," Victor whispered fiercely into her ear.
"Leon's men are gone, and my loyalists have secured the city."
"No one will ever threaten you or your family again."
Lena pulled back slightly, looking into his tired, bloodshot eyes.
"You could have died," she said, her voice shaking.
"I didn't," Victor replied, a small smile touching his lips.
"Because you were watching my back."
He pressed his lips to hers in a sudden, passionate kiss.
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Lena didn't pull away; she kissed him back, letting go of all her fear.
In that moment, surrounded by destruction, they finally found peace in each other.
