Down in the main hall, the battle was reaching its peak.
Adrian stood near the staircase, his chest heaving with exertion, his uniform torn and stained with blood—some his, some belonging to the attackers. His knuckles were raw, his face set in a mask of cold, unyielding fury. He fought with a desperation that terrified even his own men, moving faster and harder than anyone had ever seen him fight before. Every time an intruder tried to push past him toward the stairs leading to Sophia’s room, Adrian was there, blocking the way, striking them down with a ferocity that left no doubt: he would die before he let anyone go up there.
"They’re breaking through the east corridor, Boss!" Marcus shouted, ducking under a swing and delivering a sharp elbow to his attacker’s jaw. He was bleeding fro
