CHAPTER 16

Chapter Sixteen: The Game Begins

The night was restless.

Even in the safety of Adrian's estate, Elena couldn't shake the feeling that eyes were watching.

The note at the docks had changed everything. Whoever was behind this wasn't just playing mind games anymore—they were issuing a challenge.

And Adrian?

He was ready to burn everything down.

She turned in bed, her body instinctively seeking his warmth. He lay beside her, his breathing slow and steady, but Elena knew he wasn't asleep.

"You're still thinking about the note," she whispered.

Adrian didn't open his eyes. "I'm thinking about how to end this before they get any closer."

Elena swallowed. "You think they're already close?"

His hand moved under the sheets, finding hers. His grip was firm, grounding.

"They wouldn't have sent that message if they weren't."

Elena exhaled. She had known danger was coming—but now, it felt real.

She shifted closer, resting her forehead against his shoulder. "What if I'm the reason you lose?"

Adrian's eyes snapped open. Cold. Unyielding.

"You think I'd let that happen?"

She shook her head. "I think I'm the easiest way to hurt you."

Adrian's jaw clenched, his grip tightening around her fingers. "Then let them try."

The Setup

By morning, Adrian was in full control.

The estate had doubled in security. More men patrolled the perimeter, and inside, Ethan had set up surveillance, tracking every movement in and out of the city.

Elena sat in the large living room, watching as Adrian gave orders—sharp, precise, lethal.

This wasn't just about protection anymore.

This was war.

Ethan finished briefing the team before turning to Adrian. "We traced the burner phone to a shipping container at the docks. It was cleaned out, but…"

He tossed a folder onto the table. Adrian flipped it open.

Inside was a photo of Elena.

Taken days ago.

Adrian's fingers curled into a fist, his expression turning deadly.

Elena felt a chill run down her spine. "Someone's been watching me."

Adrian slammed the folder shut. "Not anymore."

His voice was lethal, a promise of destruction.

A Dangerous Game

That evening, Adrian took her aside. "We need to change tactics."

Elena frowned. "What do you mean?"

He cupped her face, his thumbs brushing over her cheeks. "They want to lure me out using you." His voice was low, controlled. Deadly. "So, we give them what they want."

Her breath hitched. "You want to use me as bait?"

"Not just bait." His gaze locked onto hers. "As the queen who ends the game."

Elena swallowed hard. "And if this backfires?"

Adrian's lips brushed her forehead, his breath warm against her skin. "Then I burn their entire world down."

The Trap is Set

The plan was simple:

Elena would return to the city, looking vulnerable, unaware.

The enemy would move.

And Adrian would be waiting.

By nightfall, she found herself standing in front of her old apartment. A calculated risk.

Her heart pounded as she entered. The place was dark, undisturbed. But she wasn't alone.

The air shifted.

A presence.

She turned just as a shadow moved.

"Elena."

She recognized the voice. Lucas.

Adrian had warned her he might reappear. But seeing him now, so calm, so sure, made her blood run cold.

"What do you want?" she asked, her voice steady.

Lucas smirked. "To offer you a choice."

Elena folded her arms. "I don't make deals with cowards."

His smirk widened. "You should. Because the alternative is Adrian losing everything."

Her stomach twisted, but she held her ground. "And what exactly do you think you have that could bring him down?"

Lucas stepped closer, lowering his voice. "His past."

Elena's breath caught.

Lucas chuckled. "Ah. So he hasn't told you?"

Elena forced herself to stay calm. "Whatever game you're playing—"

Lucas tsked. "This isn't a game. This is reality. And Adrian? He's not the hero you think he is."

She clenched her fists. "You're wasting your time."

Lucas leaned in. "We'll see."

The Storm Breaks

Before he could say another word, the door burst open.

And Adrian stepped inside.

His presence sucked the air out of the room.

Lucas barely had time to react before Adrian had him by the throat, slamming him against the wall.

"I warned you," Adrian hissed.

Lucas choked, but his smirk remained. "You're too late, Adrian. The truth is already spreading."

Adrian's grip tightened.

Elena touched his arm. "Adrian, don't—"

Adrian's gaze flickered to her, and in that moment, Lucas made his move.

A hidden blade. A desperate lunge.

But Adrian was faster.

He twisted Lucas's arm, the knife clattering to the floor. A heartbeat later, he delivered a brutal punch that sent Lucas crumbling.

Silence.

Then Adrian exhaled, stepping back.

His eyes found Elena's, and in them, she saw something raw, unspoken.

The Truth Unveiled

Later that night, back at the estate, she finally asked:

"What did he mean? About your past?"

Adrian was silent for a long time.

Then, he whispered, "I wasn't always the man you see now."

Her heart pounded. "Then tell me who you were."

His gaze burned into hers. Haunted. Tormented.

And finally, he said it.

"I was the one who started this war."

To Be Continued....