Chapter 24 – Ashes and Oaths
The world smelled like smoke and blood when the SUVs roared away from the burning lair. Lucien sat in the backseat, wrapped in Zarek’s coat, his body trembling even though he tried to hide it. Every time the car hit a bump, pain shot through his ribs—but none of it mattered compared to the heat of Zarek’s hand on his knee. Firm. Unmoving. Like a vow. Zarek didn’t look at him. Not once. His jaw was carved from stone, his knuckles white where they gripped the rifle across his lap. His shirt was soaked in blood—some his, most not. The silence between them was heavier than the smoke curling from the rearview mirror. --- The Safe House – Two Hours Later The door slammed open. Zarek carried Lucien inside—not because Lucien couldn’t walk, but because Zarek needed to hold him. Needed to f
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