Chapter 77: A Premeditated Attack

Marcellus stood motionless for a moment, his expression frozen in a mask of icy detachment. He glanced at Elias with a cold, restrained fury, as though suppressing a tempest within. His voice, low and steady, carried a chilling finality.

"Elias, no matter what happens, you are still my brother. If Livia chooses to stay with you instead of returning home with me, take care of her. If you fail her, consider our ties severed."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and strode out, his black coat billowing in the night wind, a stark silhouette of unyielding resolve. His footsteps were measured but heavy, each step a reflection of the turmoil he held back. He didn't glance back at the two left behind, his retreat a silent declaration of war.

The room fell into an uneasy silence as Elias and Alia exchanged glances. The tension hung in the air like a palpable force. Breaking the stillness, Elias sighed deeply and spoke, his tone weary but resolute.

"You should stay here for now," he urged. "No matter what, I'm still part of the family, and Marcellus won't dare make any rash moves with me watching. I'll keep an eye on him and figure out what he's up to. Once I know, we'll decide your next step."

Alia lowered her gaze, reflecting on Marcellus's earlier words and expressions. Beneath his anger and complexity, she had caught a glimpse of restraint and pain. She believed he wouldn't harm her—at least, not yet. Looking up at Elias, she shook her head decisively.

"No, I need to return to the castle," she declared.

"What?" Elias's brows furrowed in disbelief.

"Staying close to him is the only way to uncover his plans," she explained calmly. "I know he won't hurt me—not right now. I have to trust my instincts. Besides," her tone grew firmer, "you can't stop me, Elias. What are you going to do? Lock me up here?"

"Of course not!" Elias blurted out, then sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. His face was a portrait of exasperation. "But this is reckless, Livia. You're walking straight into the lion's den. You can't afford to assume he won't act against you now. You're taking a huge risk."

Seeing that her mind was made up, Elias reluctantly stepped back, though his voice carried a tone of reluctant compromise.

"Fine. I'll respect your decision, but you have to promise me something—tell me immediately if anything happens. I'll protect you, no matter what." He paused, a cunning glint flashing in his eyes. "And I'll make arrangements for Red. He's quick-witted and reliable. I'll train him to infiltrate the castle's guard and act as our contact. This way, we can communicate more safely and keep you secure."

Alia nodded, a flicker of gratitude crossing her face. "Thank you, Elias. I'll be careful."

The room grew quiet again, the silence heavy with the anticipation of an impending storm. After a brief moment, Alia turned and walked toward the door, her steps resolute. As her figure disappeared into the night, Elias stood rooted to the spot, his brows furrowed in deep worry and unease.

Driving back to the castle, Alia's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. The night air streaming through the car's open window did little to calm the storm within. She knew returning to Marcellus meant walking a razor's edge, but it was the only way to uncover the truth.

"This has to end," she whispered to herself, her hands gripping the steering wheel tightly.

Suddenly, the streetlights ahead flickered erratically. Before she could react, another car lunged from the side.

Bang!

A thunderous impact sent the car swerving violently. The steering wheel jerked from her grip as the vehicle spun out of control, crashing into a tree with a deafening screech of metal. Smoke billowed from the crumpled hood as the car came to a jarring halt.

The collision slammed Alia forward, her forehead striking the wheel. Pain shot through her skull, and her vision blurred, but she forced herself to stay conscious. Dazed, she instinctively reached for the concealed dagger in her sleeve.

"An accident? Or something worse?" she thought, her senses sharpening despite the pounding in her head.

She pushed the door open and staggered out of the car. The cool night air hit her face, but before she could steady herself, a rush of wind swept from behind.

Thud!

A sharp blow struck her neck, sending her reeling back against the car. The attack was swift, giving her no time to react. She spun, trying to counter, only for a gloved hand to clamp down on her wrist with crushing force.

"Who—" she began, but the words died in her throat as another strike—a precise, ruthless elbow to her ribs—stole her strength.

Her vision dimmed as she collapsed to the ground. The attacker hauled her from the car, their movements methodical and efficient. A final, brutal blow to her temple ended her resistance, and darkness enveloped her senses.

Just before unconsciousness claimed her, she caught a fleeting glimpse of shadowy figures reflected in the car's broken window. One of them held a blade glinting coldly under the flickering streetlights.

The night fell eerily silent once more, broken only by the faint rustle of the wind. Alia's car sat abandoned, its door ajar and its body battered—a grim testament to the violence that had just unfolded. In the distance, a black, unmarked vehicle sped away without headlights, vanishing into the consuming shadows of the night.