The manor alarms screamed. Red lights flashed through the corridors, guards sprinting into formation. The air turned electric — thick with adrenaline, fear, and the unmistakable scent of danger. Calla had only seconds to react before Lorenzo burst into the holding room.
“Adrian!” he shouted. “Orsini soldiers breached the southern gate. Full strike team. They’re trying to extract the traitor!”
Adrian’s expression shifted in an instant — from dangerous to deadly. “They’re not taking him,” Adrian said coldly.
“They’re not after him alone,” Lorenzo said, breathless. “They want her.”
Calla’s heart slammed against her ribs. Adrian turned toward her slowly, like an apex predator scenting a threat. “Where?” he demanded.
“South corridor. They’ve already engaged our men.”
Adrian didn’t hesitat
