The second gunshot echoed through the underground chamber.
Stone chips exploded from the wall only inches above Sebastian's head.
Elara instinctively covered her ears as the sound reverberated through the narrow passage.
"Stay behind me," Sebastian ordered.
His voice remained calm despite the chaos.
Nathan immediately drew the licensed sidearm carried by Blackwood Security and motioned to the two guards.
"Protect Mrs. Blackwood!"
"Yes, sir!"
One guard moved to shield the entrance to the hidden chamber while the other switched on a high-powered tactical flashlight.
Its bright beam sliced through the darkness.
The room came back into view.
The journal still rested inside the open safe.
Untouched.
Sebastian's eyes swept across the chamber.
"No movement."
Nathan frowned.
"The s
