chapter 15: the dangerous bargain

The weight of Silas Kane's demand lingered like a storm cloud. Felix drove through the city, his mind racing. The files Silas wanted were locked away in the safe house a vault of damning evidence that could destroy Ravensgate.

But if he handed them over, it would mean surrendering his only leverage.

Midnight.

The deadline loomed closer with every second.

Felix gripped the steering wheel, his thoughts plagued by the sound of Elena's voice. She was alive. But for how long? Silas had ensured the clock was now his enemy.

He needed a plan.

---

Liam was already waiting when Felix burst into the dimly lit apartment. Stacks of paper lined the table, remnants of Felix's past sins. Liam's expression darkened when he saw the determination in Felix's eyes.

"They took her," Felix said without preamble.

Liam's jaw tightened. "I heard."

"Silas wants the files." Felix's voice was low, steady. "In exchange for her location."

Liam scoffed. "And you're considering it? Felix, once those files are gone, we have nothing. Ravensgate will keep her or worse. Silas Kane isn't a man of honor."

"I'm aware," Felix snapped. "But I won't risk Elena's life. I'll find another way."

Liam shook his head. "You think Silas will play fair? Even if you give him the files, he'll twist the truth. You'll lose everything including her."

Felix's hands curled into fists. Every word Liam spoke was a reminder of the impossible choice he faced.

But there was no time for doubt.

"We'll trade," Felix said firmly. "But not without a backup plan."

Liam's eyes narrowed. "You're walking into a trap."

Felix's lips curled into a grim smile. "Then I'll make sure it's a trap for them, too."

***

Hours later, Felix stood at the entrance of a secluded harbor. The moon cast a pale glow over the water, shadows dancing against the rusted cargo containers. Silas had chosen his stage well.

Liam remained in the car, parked at a safe distance. If anything went wrong, he'd be ready.

Felix's phone buzzed. A message.

"Warehouse 7. Alone."

Felix took a deep breath, adjusting the small earpiece Liam had slipped him earlier. Every step felt heavier as he approached the towering structure.

The massive steel door creaked open. Inside, the air was thick with the stench of oil and salt. Dim lights flickered overhead, casting long shadows.

Silas Kane stood in the center, flanked by two guards. A twisted smile played on his lips.

"You're punctual," Silas drawled. "I appreciate that."

"Where is she?" Felix's voice was cold.

Silas tutted. "Patience. First, the files."

Felix held up the black briefcase. "Everything you asked for. Now, show me she's alive."

Silas motioned to one of the guards. Moments later, a side door opened.

Elena stumbled forward, her hands bound. Her eyes locked with Felix's, a mixture of relief and fear.

"Felix," she whispered, her voice trembling.

He took a step toward her, but Silas's hand shot up.

"Not yet."

Felix's jaw clenched. "Let her go. Then you get the files."

Silas laughed softly. "You're in no position to negotiate." He nodded toward the guard, who grabbed Elena by the arm, pressing a gun to her side.

Felix's blood boiled.

"You think I won't pull the trigger?" Silas taunted. "You know what Ravensgate does to liabilities."

Felix's hands shook, but he forced himself to stay composed. He opened the briefcase, revealing the neatly stacked files inside.

Silas's eyes gleamed. "Good choice."

But just as the guard reached for the case, Felix moved. In a swift motion, he pulled a concealed device from his pocket and slammed it against the guard's wrist.

A high-pitched pulse emitted from the device, sending the man stumbling back.

Liam's voice crackled in Felix's earpiece.

"Signal's jammed. They're blind."

Chaos erupted. Felix lunged, striking the guard and sending him to the floor. Elena twisted free, her elbow slamming into the second guard's ribs.

Silas's composure shattered. "You think this changes anything?" he spat.

Felix's eyes burned with determination. "It changes everything."

The sound of approaching sirens echoed through the air. Liam had called in the final card the authorities, backed by the evidence Felix had sent moments before.

Silas's smirk faltered. "You'll regret this."

Felix stepped closer, his voice low. "No, Silas. You will."

The doors burst open. Officers swarmed the warehouse, guns drawn. Silas and his men had nowhere to run.

Felix's arms wrapped tightly around Elena, his chest heaving as the tension finally broke.

"It's over," he whispered, holding her close.

But Elena's eyes, though filled with relief, held something deeper.

"Not yet," she murmured. "Ravensgate is still out there."

Felix nodded. He knew the battle wasn't finished. But for the first time, they weren't fighting alone.

And as long as they stood together, he was willing to face whatever came next.