Chapter 11

Madeline clenched her jaw, her breath coming in shallow bursts as she helped Domenico to his feet. The fortress loomed behind them, a reminder that they had just walked into Victor's game.

Luca checked their surroundings before throwing Domenico's arm over his shoulder. "We need to get out of here before reinforcements arrive."

Domenico winced but nodded. "You don't have to tell me twice."

But Madeline wasn't ready to leave. "We can't just abandon Hugo."

Luca shot her a look. "If we go after him now, we'll get ourselves killed."

She knew he was right, but it didn't make it any easier. Hugo had risked everything for them, and now he was trapped in Victor's hands.

Domenico groaned. "Listen, I don't know how long I was out, but they didn't kill me. That means Victor still has a use for Hugo. We have time—but not much."

"Then let's move."

They made their way back through the forest, sticking to the shadows. Every sound sent Madeline's nerves on edge, but no one followed.

It wasn't until they reached the car that she realized how much Victor had let them go on purpose. He was pulling the strings.

And she hated it.

---

By the time they reached the cabin, Domenico was pale and barely conscious. Catherine helped lower him onto the couch while Madeline grabbed the medical supplies.

Luca handed her a bottle of water and a clean cloth. "We'll need to clean that wound before he loses too much blood."

Madeline nodded, pressing a damp cloth to the gash on Domenico's temple. He flinched but didn't complain.

Catherine crossed her arms. "What happened back there?"

 "Victor knew you'd come back for me and Hugo. He wanted to send a message."

Madeline frowned. "And what was that?"

Domenico's eyes met hers. "That he's not done playing."

The words sent a chill down her spine.

 "Then we need to end this before he gets the upper hand again."

Madeline's thoughts raced. Victor was calculating. He had known she would return for Hugo and Domenico. But what was his endgame?

Then it hit her.

"He's not just trying to trap us," she said, eyes widening. "He's waiting for something."

Luca stilled. "Waiting for what?"

Madeline's pulse quickened. "Leverage."

Catherine's face paled. "You think he's using Hugo as bait?"

Madeline nodded. "But not just for us."

Victor wanted something more.

Something bigger.

And they needed to find out what.

---

After Domenico was stabilized, they gathered around the wooden table in the kitchen.

Luca unfolded a map, marking the locations they had scouted before. "Victor's main compound is too fortified. If Hugo is still alive, they won't keep him there long. He's likely being moved."

Catherine frowned. "To where?"

Domenico rubbed his temple. "There's an old facility on the outskirts of the city. It's where Victor takes people he wants to break."

Madeline's stomach twisted.

Luca circled the location on the map. "If that's where he is, we need to move fast. But we can't just storm the place."

Madeline studied the map, an idea forming. "Then we make them come to us."

Luca raised a brow. "How?"

 "By forcing Victor's hand. He's playing a game, right? Then let's change the rules."

She leaned over the map. "We hit one of his operations. Hard. Something valuable. Something that will make him desperate."

Domenico smirked. "I like the way you think."

Catherine hesitated. "Won't that put Hugo in more danger?"

Madeline's hands curled into fists. "Hugo is already in danger. If we don't act soon, he won't survive."

Luca sighed. "Then we do this carefully. One strike. Enough to shake Victor but not enough to make him retaliate before we're ready."

Madeline nodded. "Then let's get to work."

---

Night fell, cloaking the city in darkness. The target was one of Victor's main supply hubs, a warehouse by the docks.

Luca had acquired explosives—small but effective enough to send a message.

Madeline adjusted the comms in her ear. "Everyone in position?"

"Ready," Luca's voice came through.

Domenico chuckled. "Let's blow some of Victor's money."

Madeline smirked. "On my mark."

She moved through the shadows, heart pounding. The warehouse was lightly guarded, Victor's men not expecting an attack.

They were sloppy.

It made things easy.

With calculated precision, they set the charges, avoiding detection.

Luca's voice crackled in her ear. "We're clear."

Madeline pulled out the detonator. "Then let's send a message."

She pressed the button.

The explosion rocked the docks, fire lighting up the night sky.

Madeline's heart thundered.

Victor would know.

And now, he would come to them.

---

They were barely back at the safe house when the phone rang.

Luca answered. "Victor."

Victor's smooth voice sent chills down Madeline's spine. "I assume that was your handiwork?"

Luca didn't respond.

Victor chuckled. "I must say, I'm impressed. But if you think this will make me return your friend, you're mistaken."

Madeline stepped forward. "What do you want?"

Victor hummed. "Ah, Madeline. Always so direct."

Her fingers dug into her palms. "Cut the games, Victor. What do you want from Hugo?"

A pause.

Then, Victor spoke, his voice laced with amusement.

"You."

Madeline's blood ran cold.

Luca's eyes darkened. "Not happening."

Victor sighed. "Then Hugo dies."

"You wouldn't."

Victor chuckled. "Wouldn't I?"

Silence stretched.

Madeline knew the truth. Victor was perfectly capable of killing Hugo. And he would, if it suited him.

She swallowed hard. "Where?"

Luca grabbed her arm, shaking his head. But she ignored him.

Victor's voice was smug. "Midnight. The abandoned church outside the city."

The line went dead.

Madeline turned to the others. "I'm going."

Luca's grip tightened. "Like hell you are."

Domenico shook his head. "It's a trap."

Madeline knew that.

But she also knew she had no choice.

---

The abandoned church stood outside in silence under the moonlight. Shadows stretched across the walls, the stained glass cracked and faded.

Madeline stepped inside, heart pounding.

Victor stood at the altar, a smirk on his face.

And next to him—

Hugo.

Bloodied. Weak. But alive.

Madeline's breath hitched. "Let him go."

Victor tilted his head. "First, let's talk."

She clenched her fists. "I have nothing to say to you."

Victor asked. "Such hostility."

He took a step closer. "You don't even know why I want you."

Madeline's pulse quickened. "Why?"

Victor's smirk widened.

"Because, my dear," he whispered, "you're worth more than you realize."

A chill ran down her spine.

And then—

Gunfire.

The windows shattered as Luca and the others stormed in.

Chaos erupted.

Madeline dove for Hugo, cutting his restraints. "Can you walk?"

Hugo groaned. "Do I have a choice?"

She helped him up as Victor's men retaliated.

Luca fired, taking down two guards. Domenico tackled another.

Victor cursed, retreating toward the exit.

Madeline's rage burned.

She lunged—

But Victor was gone.

Disappeared into the night.

Madeline clenched her jaw.

This wasn't over.

But Hugo is now safe.

For now.