They Took Her

The crackling sound of gunfire echoed in Alexander's ears as he crouched behind an overturned table in the decoy lab. Sweat dripped from his forehead, but his focus remained sharp. His team, though outnumbered, moved with precision, taking out Marco's guards one by one.

Victor slid beside Alexander, his expression grim. "We're cornered. We need to retreat before we lose anyone."

Alexander clenched his jaw, firing off a round. "Not until we find something useful. Marco's playing games, but there has to be a lead here."

Victor hesitated but nodded, motioning to the rest of the team. As they pushed deeper into the lab, they came upon a hidden room, its heavy steel door ajar. Inside was a single computer terminal, its screen glowing with a countdown.

"What the hell is this?" Victor muttered, typing rapidly to disable the countdown.

Alexander's stomach twisted as he noticed a small vial resting on a pedestal next to the terminal. A label on the vial read: Paragon Prototype – Phase Two.

"Grab it," Alexander ordered.

Victor hesitated. "It could be a trap."

"It doesn't matter. If this is what Marco's been working on, we need it."

Victor quickly secured the vial in a protective case and worked to download the files from the terminal. The countdown reached zero, and a recorded voice filled the room:

"Congratulations, Alexander. You've found a piece of the puzzle. But you're still miles away from the truth. Let the hunt continue."

A deafening explosion rocked the lab, sending Alexander and Victor flying backward. Dust and debris filled the air, and Alexander scrambled to his feet, coughing as he pulled Victor up.

"We need to move!" Alexander shouted.

Meanwhile, at Marco's hideout

Mia struggled against her restraints, her heart pounding as she found herself in an unfamiliar, sterile room. Bright fluorescent lights flickered above her, and the faint hum of machinery filled the space.

Marco strolled in, his expression smug. "Mia, my dear, I'm so glad we could finally have this time together."

Her eyes blazed with defiance. "Whatever you're planning, it won't work. Alexander will come for me."

Marco chuckled, pulling up a chair to sit in front of her. "Oh, I'm counting on it. But while we wait, let me enlighten you about Project Paragon."

He gestured to a screen on the wall, which displayed genetic diagrams and a long list of coded data.

"You see, Mia, your bloodline is… unique. Something in your DNA holds the key to perfection. Strength, intelligence, resilience—it's all there, waiting to be unlocked. And now that you're carrying Alexander's child, the potential has doubled. You're no longer just an asset; you're the future."

Mia's blood ran cold. "You're insane. I'm not some experiment."

Marco's smile widened. "Oh, but you already are. Do you think it's a coincidence that you and Alexander ended up together? Everything was planned, Mia. Every move, every moment. And now, you're exactly where I need you."

Mia's heart raced as she realized the depth of Marco's obsession. But she refused to show fear. "You won't win. Whatever you're planning, Alexander will stop you."

Marco stood, his grin turning menacing. "We'll see, my dear. For now, enjoy the hospitality."

He turned and left the room, leaving Mia to grapple with the horrifying truth.

Back at the mansion

Alexander and his team returned, battered but alive. As they entered the estate, the sight of the shattered doors and the absence of security guards immediately put Alexander on high alert.

"Mia!" he called out, his voice echoing through the empty halls.

Victor ran ahead, checking the surveillance room. He returned moments later, his face pale. "They took her."

Alexander's heart stopped. "What?"

Victor held up a USB drive. "The intruders left this behind. It's from Marco."

Alexander snatched the drive and plugged it into the nearest laptop. A video played, showing Mia bound and surrounded by Marco's guards.

"Alexander," Marco's voice drawled, "I told you the game was far from over. If you want your precious wife back, come and find me. But I warn you—this time, the stakes are higher. And don't keep me waiting."

The video ended abruptly, leaving Alexander seething with rage.

Victor placed a hand on his shoulder. "We'll find her. Marco's making a mistake underestimating us."

Alexander's gaze hardened. "He thinks he's in control, but this ends now. Prepare everyone. I'm going after her, and I'm taking Marco down—once and for all."