Let Her go

The sun had barely risen over the estate when the team convened in the secure strategy room. Maps, blueprints, and files were spread across the long oak table as Alexander, Mia, Victor, and the elite task force reviewed the plan.

Victor tapped on the large screen at the end of the room, projecting a satellite image of Marco's Romanian facility. "This is the lab. It's underground, shielded by heavy security, and surrounded by dense forests. Entry won't be easy."

Mia studied the map, her brow furrowed in concentration. "How do we know Marco is there?"

Victor zoomed in on a series of thermal signatures around the compound. "Our intel shows increased activity in the last 24 hours. Supply drops, power spikes, and encrypted communications—all signs that Marco is mobilizing."

Alexander's eyes narrowed. "Then we hit hard and fast before he's ready."

Victor hesitated, glancing at Mia. "There's something else. Marco's obsession with Mia means he'll expect us to come for him. We can use that to our advantage—but it's a dangerous gamble."

Alexander's jaw tightened. "Absolutely not. We're not using Mia as bait."

Mia placed a hand on his arm, her voice calm but firm. "Alexander, we've already agreed to this. If I'm the key to his plan, then I can draw him out. But we do it carefully—with backup at every step."

Victor nodded. "She's right. We set up a decoy mission. Mia appears to surrender, which will force Marco to reveal himself. Once he's exposed, we strike."

Alexander's fists clenched at the thought of Mia being anywhere near Marco again, but he knew time was against them. "Fine," he said through gritted teeth. "But if anything happens to her…"

Victor raised a hand. "It won't. I'll make sure of it."

The Setup

Mia stood in the bedroom, staring at her reflection in the mirror. She was dressed simply—jeans, a jacket, and flat shoes for mobility. Her hand rested on her belly, a protective instinct that had grown stronger with each passing day.

Alexander approached from behind, wrapping his arms around her. "Are you sure about this?"

She leaned into him, her voice steady. "No. But I know it's the only way. Marco won't stop unless we stop him first."

He turned her gently, looking into her eyes. "You're the bravest person I know, Mia. But promise me you'll follow the plan. No heroics."

She smiled faintly, touching his cheek. "I promise. As long as you promise to bring me home."

He kissed her deeply, pouring all his love and fear into the moment. "Always."

The Mission

The team moved under the cover of darkness, the thick Romanian forest providing natural concealment. Mia was escorted by two operatives, their weapons drawn as they approached the edge of the compound. Hidden in the treeline, Alexander and Victor watched through binoculars, their earpieces buzzing with updates from the rest of the team.

Mia stepped into the open, her heart pounding. She knew Marco was watching—he always was.

A voice crackled through hidden speakers. "Mia. How brave of you to come back to me."

Marco's voice sent a chill down her spine, but she stood tall. "This ends tonight, Marco. Let me in, or I'll burn everything you've built to the ground."

There was a pause before the heavy steel gates creaked open. Two guards emerged, their weapons raised. "Hands up," one barked.

Mia obeyed, raising her hands as the guards approached. She could feel Alexander's eyes on her, his presence grounding her as the guards searched her for weapons.

"She's clean," one of them said, motioning for her to follow.

As Mia disappeared into the compound, Alexander's voice came through Victor's earpiece. "We move on my signal. Stay sharp."

Inside the Compound

Mia was led through sterile white corridors, the air thick with the hum of machinery. Marco appeared at the end of the hall, his dark suit immaculate as always. His smile was cold and calculating.

"Mia," he greeted, his tone dripping with mockery. "I knew you'd come to me eventually."

She forced herself to meet his gaze. "Let's skip the theatrics, Marco. What do you want?"

He gestured for her to follow, leading her into a large lab filled with glowing monitors and bubbling vials. "You're special, Mia," he said, his voice almost reverent. "Your DNA holds the key to a new era. Together, we could create a world where weakness and imperfection no longer exist."

Mia stared at him in disbelief. "You're insane."

Marco's smile faded, replaced by a dangerous intensity. "No, Mia. I'm a visionary. And soon, you'll see that."

Before she could respond, an explosion rocked the compound, the lights flickering as alarms blared.

The Rescue

Alexander's team stormed the facility, their weapons cutting through Marco's guards with precision. Alexander led the charge, his only focus on reaching Mia.

Marco grabbed Mia's arm, pulling her toward a hidden exit. "You see, Alexander never thinks ahead. While he's busy tearing this place apart, I'll be long gone—with you."

Mia yanked her arm free, her voice fierce. "I'd rather die than go anywhere with you."

Marco smirked. "That can be arranged."

Before he could react, Alexander appeared, his gun trained on Marco. "Let her go."

Marco chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Ah, Alexander. Always the hero. But this time, you're too late."

He pressed a button on a remote, and the lab's self-destruct sequence activated.

"Run!" Alexander shouted, grabbing Mia's hand as the room began to collapse.