#26.
The tranquility of the villa was shattered by the thundering intrusion of heavy boots against marble. Security alarms, usually dormant and silent, erupted into a chorus as a phalanx of armed men poured into the foyer. Dominic’s own guards moved to intercept, their weapons drawn, but they faltered instantly upon seeing the crest on the intruders' uniforms. They stepped back, lowering their rifles as if confronted by a force of nature they dared not defy. Dominic’s bedroom door was kicked inward with a crash. He was hauled from his bed, his hands pinned behind his back by men who moved with efficiency. "What the hell are you doing?" Dominic roared, twisting against the iron grip of his captors. "Following orders, sir," one of them replied, his voice devoid of inflection. "Please, just fol
- Writer
