The Final Stand

The flames flickered around them, casting eerie shadows across the wreckage. Smoke curled in the air, thick and suffocating. Luca's body tensed as The Hunter stepped forward, his piercing gaze locking onto them like a predator to its prey.

Rayna gripped Luca's arm, her breathing ragged. Julian and Vaughn stood frozen, their injuries making it clear they weren't in any condition to fight.

But The Hunter… he looked unfazed.

Luca clenched his fists. "You just don't quit, do you?"

The Hunter chuckled, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth. "You still don't understand, do you, Luca?" His voice was smooth, but edged with something darker. "This isn't about winning or losing. It's about survival. And I always survive."

He lifted his hand—and before Luca could react, a blast of energy surged toward them.

"Move!"

Luca grabbed Rayna and dove to the side just as the explosion tore through the wooden beams behind them. Splinters rained down like deadly shards. Julian and Vaughn scrambled for cover, coughing as smoke engulfed them.

Luca hit the ground hard, rolling onto his side as Rayna gasped beside him.

"We can't fight him like this," she whispered. "Not when we're barely standing."

He knew she was right. Every muscle in his body screamed in protest, his ribs felt like they were on fire, and yet…

They had no choice.

He pushed himself up, determination burning in his chest. "We don't have to beat him. We just have to stop him."

Rayna's eyes flickered with understanding. "You have a plan?"

Luca glanced around the collapsing warehouse. The structure was barely holding together. If they could bring it down…

Julian and Vaughn staggered toward them. "Tell me you have a way out of this," Vaughn muttered.

Luca's jaw tightened. "We bring this place down."

Julian swore under his breath. "That's insane."

"Yeah? Got a better idea?"

No one did.

The Hunter was already moving toward them, his steps slow, confident. He thought he had won.

Luca exchanged a look with Rayna.

"Go."

Rayna nodded, sprinting toward the far side of the warehouse, where the main support beams stood. Vaughn followed, despite his injuries.

The Hunter barely glanced at them. His focus remained on Luca. "Always the hero," he mused. "Always willing to throw your life away for others. But tell me, Luca—who's going to save you?"

Luca smirked, raising his fists. "Guess we're about to find out."

With a battle cry, he lunged forward.

The final stand had begun.