But she did

The air outside the facility was crisp, carrying the scent of gunpowder and metal. The once-imposing structure that had housed Marco's twisted ambitions now stood as a silent monument to his failure. The authorities had arrived, securing the premises and escorting Marco away in heavy restraints. His empire had crumbled, and his reign of terror was over.

Mia leaned against Alexander, exhaustion weighing her down. The adrenaline that had kept her moving was fading, leaving behind an overwhelming sense of relief. She felt Alexander's arm tighten around her shoulders, his warmth grounding her.

"It's over," she whispered, more to herself than to him.

Alexander exhaled, his gaze following the convoy carrying Marco away. "For now." His voice was steady, but she could hear the underlying tension. There was always another threat, another enemy lurking in the shadows. But at that moment, all that mattered was that they had won.

Victor walked up to them, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "That was too close," he muttered, shaking his head. "If Mia hadn't shut it down in time…" He trailed off, unwilling to voice the grim possibility.

"But she did," Alexander said firmly, glancing down at Mia with pride. "She stopped him."

Mia gave him a tired smile. "I wasn't about to let Marco destroy everything we've fought for."

Victor smirked. "Remind me never to underestimate you again."

Before Mia could respond, a familiar voice called out. "Mia!"

She turned just in time to see Emma rushing toward her, tears in her eyes. The moment she reached her, she pulled Mia into a tight hug, her body trembling. "I thought I lost you," Emma whispered.

Mia hugged her back just as fiercely. "I'm here. I'm okay."

Emma pulled back slightly, wiping her eyes. "Don't scare me like that again."

"I'll try," Mia said with a small laugh, though they both knew danger would always follow them.

As the sun began to rise, casting golden hues over the remnants of the night's battle, Alexander exhaled deeply. "We should get home."

Mia nodded. Home. The word had never felt more precious.

—

Back at the estate, the tension began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of calm. The security was tighter than ever, with guards stationed around the perimeter, but inside, the warmth of safety wrapped around them.

Mia sat on the couch in their living room, a blanket draped over her shoulders as she cradled a cup of tea. Alexander sat beside her, his hand resting on her thigh. He hadn't let go of her since they'd returned, as if afraid she would disappear.

"I keep thinking about what Marco said," Mia murmured, staring into her cup.

Alexander frowned. "About 'Project Paragon'?"

She nodded. "I know we shut down his facility, but what if there's more? What if someone else picks up where he left off?"

Alexander exhaled. "Then we'll be ready."

Mia looked up at him, her heart swelling at the unwavering determination in his eyes. He had always been her protector, her anchor.

A knock at the door interrupted them, and Victor stepped in. "I went through the remaining files. Most of Marco's resources were tied up in that facility. Without it, his entire network collapses. There might be remnants, but nothing as dangerous as what we just faced."

Mia let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "That's a relief."

Victor nodded. "You two should rest. You deserve it."

As he left, Alexander shifted, pulling Mia closer. "Come to bed," he murmured against her hair.

Mia closed her eyes, letting herself sink into his embrace. "Stay with me?"

"Always," he promised.