SIN IN HIS SHADOW BOOK TWO

Chapter 11: The Devil’s Choice

The Vault — Seconds Before the Storm

Lucien’s chains bit deeper as he struggled, wrists raw and burning. His heart pounded in his ears louder than the gunfire outside.

Alder leaned against the metal wall, gun twirling between his fingers like a toy. Calm. Always calm.

> “He’s close,” Alder said softly. “You feel it? The way the air shakes when a monster is coming home?”

Lucien glared at him, voice hoarse. “You’re dead.”

Alder tilted his head, smiling faintly. “Maybe. But not before I rip his soul apart.”

He strode toward Lucien, crouching low so their faces were inches apart.

> “When he walks through that door, I want you to say something for me,” Alder murmured. “Tell him you don’t love him. Tell him you chose me.”

Lucien spat the words like venom. “Never.”

Alder pressed the gun under Lucien’s chin, eyes glittering. “Then I’ll blow your brains out before he takes a step inside.”

Lucien froze. His chest rose and fell fast, shallow.

> “He’ll kill you for that.”

Alder smiled wider. “That’s the point.”

Before Lucien could reply, the lock on the vault door groaned. Screamed.

Then—BANG.

The door blasted inward like a grenade. Smoke. Sparks. Screams from Alder’s men as bullets ripped through them.

And then—him.

Zarek.

Silhouetted in the doorway, soaked in blood and rain, eyes burning like a god of war.

Alder stood, gun to Lucien’s head, pulling him close like a human shield.

> “Drop it!” Alder barked.

Zarek didn’t move. Didn’t blink. His gun stayed raised, aimed dead at Alder’s skull.

> “Let him go,” Zarek said, voice low, lethal. “And I’ll make it quick.”

Alder laughed, sharp and cruel. “You always were dramatic.”

He dragged Lucien closer, pressing the barrel to his temple. “One more step, and he paints the floor.”

Zarek took that step anyway.

> “You kill him,” Zarek said, voice like death wrapped in velvet, “and I swear on my blood, Alder, I’ll tear your spine out with my bare hands.”

Alder’s grin widened. “God, I missed you.”

He leaned close to Lucien, whispering loud enough for Zarek to hear:

> “Say it, pretty thing. Tell him you’re mine.”

Lucien’s lips trembled—but not with fear.

> “You’ll never have me.”

Zarek’s finger twitched on the trigger.

Alder snarled. “Wrong answer.”

The gun pressed harder to Lucien’s temple.

And then—

Everything exploded.

Zarek fired.

Lucien dropped.

Alder lunged.

The vault filled with thunder and blood.