Baptized in Fire

Flames swallowed the walls, creeping across the wooden beams like a living beast. Smoke thickened the air, making it harder to see, harder to breathe. The heat licked at Luca's skin, but he didn't flinch. His eyes were locked on Adrian Vega, standing unfazed amid the chaos.

"Elena," Luca growled, never lowering his gun. "Get out. Now."

But she didn't move.

"I'm not leaving you," she said, voice firm despite the terror in her eyes.

Adrian chuckled, shaking his head. "How touching. You really think he can save you?" His gaze flicked to Luca. "You know she was mine first, don't you?"

Luca's grip on his gun tightened. "The only thing you own is a grave. I'll make sure of it."

Dante appeared from the side, firing first. The bullet missed Adrian by inches as he dove behind a pillar.

"Move!" Luca grabbed Elena's wrist, yanking her toward the exit as another explosion rattled the building. Chunks of the ceiling crashed down, blocking their path.

Dante cursed. "We're running out of time!"

Elena's coughs wracked her body as smoke filled her lungs. But before Luca could move again, a gunshot rang out—followed by a sharp cry of pain.

Elena stumbled, her legs buckling.

Luca's heart stopped.

"No—"

He caught her before she hit the floor. Blood bloomed across her side, staining her dress crimson.

"Elena!" His voice was raw, panicked.

Adrian's laughter echoed through the flames. "Guess she won't be leaving after all."

Luca's world narrowed into a single thought.

Kill him.

He gently passed Elena into Dante's arms. "Get her out."

Dante hesitated, eyes darting between Luca and Adrian.

"I said go!"

With one last look, Dante hoisted Elena into his arms and disappeared into the smoke.

Now it was just Luca and Adrian.

The fire raged around them, casting eerie shadows across their faces.

Adrian smirked, tilting his head. "So, this is how it ends?"

Luca leveled his gun.

"No," he said coldly.

"This is how you end."

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Next Chapter: The Devil's Fall—Luca and Adrian's final battle will determine who walks out alive… and who burns in the fire.