Chapter 16: The Calm Before
652 Words
Chapter 16: The Calm Before
We worked through the night.
The Alaric building was locked down by midnight. Extra security teams patrolled every floor. Marcus brought in people he trusted, men and women who had once worked for my family and were willing to stand with us now. Cameras covered every entrance and hallway. No one was allowed in or out without being checked twice.
I stayed in my father’s old office with Marcus, Elena, and Thomas. We spread maps and building plans across the large desk. Lila’s warning played over and over in my mind.
They were coming for the building.
And they were coming soon.
Marcus pointed at the main entrance on the map.
“If they want to cause maximum damage, they’ll hit here or the underground parking area. We’ve already reinforced both.”
Elena added, “I’ve moved all important documents and old files to a secure location across the city. Even if they destroy this building, they won’t destroy our history.”
Thomas looked tired but determined.
“The legal team is ready to freeze any accounts connected to Sophia’s family the moment we have proof they’re involved. One more move from them and we can destroy what’s left of their power legally.”
I listened to all of them, but my mind kept returning to one question.
Why now?
Sophia had been quiet for weeks after the gala. Why risk everything with one desperate attack?
I looked at Marcus.
“This doesn’t feel like just revenge anymore,” I said. “It feels like they’re trying to erase us completely. Like they’re afraid of what happens if the Alaric name rises again.”
Marcus met my eyes.
“They should be afraid. Because you’re not the same girl they tried to destroy years ago.”
His words stayed with me long after the others left the room.
Around three in the morning, Marcus and I were the only ones still awake. The building was quiet except for the soft footsteps of the guards outside. I stood by the window, looking out at the dark city.
“You should rest,” Marcus said from behind me. “You’ve barely slept in days.”
I shook my head.
“I can’t. Not until this is over.”
He walked over and stood beside me. For a while, neither of us spoke.
Then he said quietly, “You don’t have to carry all of this alone, Clara. I know you’re used to it, but you don’t have to anymore.”
I turned to look at him. The tiredness in his eyes matched my own, but there was something else there too. Something steady and warm.
“I’m trying to let people in,” I admitted. “It’s harder than I thought it would be.”
Marcus gave me a small smile.
“You’re doing better than you think.”
For a moment, the weight on my shoulders felt a little lighter.
But the moment didn’t last.
My phone vibrated on the desk.
It was another message from an unknown number.
This time there was no text. Only a photo.
I opened it.
The image showed the Alaric building from the outside… but it was on fire.
My hands tightened around the phone.
Marcus looked at the screen and his face hardened.
“They’re not just threatening anymore,” he said. “They’re showing us what they’re capable of.”
I stared at the burning building in the photo.
It wasn’t real. Not yet. But it was a promise.
I put the phone down and looked out the window again. The real building stood quiet and dark in the night.
“They want to burn everything down,” I said softly.
Marcus stepped closer.
“Then we make sure they never get the chance.”
I nodded.
The calm before the storm was over.
Now it was time to fight.
- Writer
