SHADOWS CLOSING IN

Tension wrapped around the room like a vice, thick and suffocating. Hazel's pulse quickened, her back pressed to Ethan's as they braced for what was coming.

"Marco's closing in," Ethan muttered, his voice low and edged with steel. "You should—"

Hazel cut him off, her eyes blazing. "Don't you dare say 'run.' I'm here, and I'm not leaving you."

Before Ethan could respond, Adam crashed through the door, his face pale with urgency. "They've got the exits covered. We're boxed in."

Hazel's hands curled into fists, her voice sharp. "Good. I'm tired of running."

A slow clap echoed from the hallway, and Olivia appeared, her expression unreadable. "You two are either fearless or fools," she said, her gaze flicking to Hazel. "But... maybe I like that."

Ethan's jaw clenched. "Why are you here, Olivia?"

Her lips curved in a smirk. "Because Marco doesn't play fair. And if you want to survive, you'll need me."

Hazel stepped forward, her chin high. "Then let's get something straight—I'm not afraid of him."

Suddenly, a cold voice pierced the air from beyond the doorframe. "You should be."

Marco.

The showdown was here, and the stakes had never been higher. Love, loyalty, and survival—all on the line.