The estate had settled into a rhythm of preparation after the rival's message, but beneath the movement and orders, there was a current of unease. Every man seemed sharper, every glance heavier. Taylor and I tried to keep ourselves steady, but the fear lingered like smoke. It was just past midnight when the first sign came. A guard burst into the sitting room, his face pale. "They're here," he said breathlessly. "The rivals-they've made a move." My heart lurched. Taylor's hand gripped mine, her nails digging into my skin. Isabella appeared almost instantly, her presence commanding. "Where?" she demanded. "At the east perimeter," the guard replied. "They've cut through the fence. Shots fired."
The words hung in the air like thunder. Isabella's eyes narrowed. "Get the women to the safe room
