Chapter 25

The Beginning of the End

The room buzzed with tense energy as Marcus and his team combed through the files. Agents whispered urgently, their eyes darting between computer screens and printed documents. Every piece of evidence confirmed what I already knew—Victor and the Shadows had infiltrated every level of power. Government officials, law enforcement, business leaders—they were all tangled in the web.

"This is more than just a criminal organization," Marcus muttered, rubbing a hand over his face. "This is a goddamn empire."

I folded my arms, trying to steady my breathing. "Then we burn it to the ground."

Marcus exhaled sharply, nodding. "First, we need to secure you. You're their number one target now."

"I'm not running," I said firmly. "I started this fight. I'm seeing it through."

He studied me for a long moment, then nodded. "Alright. But we do this smart. We hit them publicly, make sure they can't cover it up." He turned to his team. "I want press briefings. Federal warrants. We take them out in one coordinated strike."

Agents jumped into action, calls being made, orders issued. But beneath the movement, a thick tension loomed.

"They won't go down quietly," I said.

Marcus sighed. "No. They won't."

Suddenly, a sharp alarm blared through the facility. Red emergency lights flashed across the walls. A voice crackled through the intercom.

"Security breach. Unidentified hostiles have entered the perimeter."

My blood turned to ice.

"They're here," I whispered.

Marcus cursed, reaching for his gun. "We need to move. Now."

The agents scrambled as the building shifted into lockdown. Heavy steel barriers sealed the doors, but we all knew—it wouldn't be enough to stop them.

Gunfire erupted from the lower level. My heart pounded as Marcus grabbed my wrist, pulling me toward the exit. "We have to get you to a safe room."

"I'm not hiding," I snapped.

"This isn't about bravery," he shot back. "It's about survival."

An explosion rocked the building, shaking the floors beneath us. Screams and shouts filled the air. The Shadows weren't wasting time—they were here to erase every piece of evidence, including me.

We rounded a corner, and my breath caught in my throat.

Victor stood at the end of the hallway, flanked by two heavily armed men. A slow smile spread across his face as he raised his gun.

"Sarah," he said smoothly. "You didn't really think I'd let you win, did you?"

Marcus shoved me behind him, his own gun raised. "Drop it, Victor. It's over."

Victor chuckled. "Over? No, Detective. It's just beginning."

A shot rang out.

And the war truly began.