Chapter 50: The Riverfront Fortress

The riverfront hotel loomed ahead like a fortress, its windows boarded and its rooftop patrolled by armed men. Spotlights swept the area, slicing through the dark, as if Dorne was expecting hell to come knocking on his door.

I sat in the backseat of Ghost's car, studying the place through binoculars. "He's preparing for war," I muttered. "Look at that. Guards on every floor, snipers on the roof."

Ghost leaned against the steering wheel, chewing on a toothpick, his eyes sharp. "This ain't just paranoia. He knows we're coming."

Vera was beside me, arms crossed. "We need a way in. A way he won't expect."

I lowered the binoculars and looked at them both. "We're not going through the front. That would be suicide."

Ghost snorted. "No kidding. You got a plan, or are we just going to sit here watching Dorne sip whiskey from his throne?"

I gave a small grin. "Luca said Dorne fortified the place like a bunker, but every bunker has a weakness. And I think I know what his is."

Vera raised an eyebrow. "Do tell."

"Supplies," I said. "Dorne's men are running on something—guns, food, tech. They need someone bringing that in. If we find his supplier, we find a way inside."

Ghost nodded slowly. "Smart. And I might know a guy. He used to run tech for Kross, now he sells to the highest bidder. If Dorne's buying, this guy's selling."

Vera leaned forward. "Then we go talk to him."

I shook my head. "No. We don't talk to him. We follow him—see where he delivers. If we're lucky, he'll walk us right into Dorne's backyard."

Ghost smiled. "Now you're thinking like a real player."

—

We tailed the tech dealer, a wiry man with nervous energy, as he loaded crates into an unmarked van. He drove through the city, weaving between back alleys, until he reached a hidden loading dock behind the riverfront hotel.

I watched from a distance as Dorne's men helped unload the crates—guns, explosives, tech gear. Enough to arm a small army.

Vera whistled low. "He's getting ready for something big. More than just taking over Kross's empire. This looks like a full-blown war against everyone."

"Then we hit him where it hurts," I said.

Ghost looked skeptical. "And how do you propose we do that? Walk in, plant a bomb, wave goodbye?"

I grinned. "Not far from that."

Vera smirked. "I like where this is going."

I pointed at the delivery entrance. "That's our way in. We intercept one of those shipments, swap it for something... explosive. Let Dorne take it inside himself."

Ghost chuckled. "Dangerous. I like it."

Vera looked thoughtful. "What if we time it right? Cause a distraction on one side, make Dorne pull his men away while we get inside from the other."

I nodded. "Exactly. And once we're in, we take him out. End this war before it starts."

Ghost cracked his knuckles. "Alright. So we blow up his supply, storm his castle, and take his head. Sounds like a plan."

"But we'll need help," Vera said. "More guns. More people we can trust."

I looked at her. "Then let's start calling in favors. Every friend, every debt we're owed. Dorne wants to play king? Let's show him who really runs this city."

—

By the time we left, the night was thick with tension. The city felt different—like everyone was holding their breath, waiting for the explosion they knew was coming.

As Ghost drove us back to base, Vera leaned close. "You think we'll make it out of this?"

I looked at her, my voice low. "I don't know. But I do know one thing—Dorne dies before this is over."

She smiled faintly. "Good. Because I'm not running anymore."

I nodded. Neither was I.

The game had changed. The final pieces were moving.And I was ready to bring it all crashing down.

To be continued...