The turning point

Chapter 36:The Turning Point

The air was thick with the scent of gunpowder and blood, but Elias couldn't afford to think about that. His focus was solely on Collins. His friend, the one person who had always stood by him, was slipping away, and Elias couldn't—wouldn't—let that happen.

Cassandra had managed to get a radio signal through, but it would take time before backup arrived. That meant they were on their own. And with Vale standing in front of him, smirking as if he owned the world, Elias knew they didn't have much time.

"Leave him," Vale said, his voice cold and mocking. "You can't save him. But I can offer you something better, Elias."

Elias stood up, his body taut with tension, his eyes narrowing as he faced Vale. "What could you possibly offer me now? I'm done with your lies."

Vale chuckled, a low, sinister sound that sent a chill down Elias' spine. "Oh, I'm not here to lie. I'm here to make you an offer. You've been hunting me for so long, but what if I told you the truth was worse than you think? What if I told you that everything you've been doing, everything you've sacrificed, has been in vain?"

Elias' heart pounded in his chest. "I'm done listening to you, Vale."

Vale's smirk widened. "You're angry, I get it. But listen—if you let me walk away right now, I'll leave. No more bloodshed, no more games. Just… let me go. I can give you everything. You could have the power, the control you've always craved. Your life doesn't have to be a war. I'm offering you peace."

Elias felt a flash of doubt. Peace. That word used to mean something to him. But not anymore. Not after everything he had seen. Not after everything he had lost.

His gaze flickered back to Collins, still unconscious but alive, his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. Elias' mind raced, torn between the years of his life that had been built on duty and justice, and the raw temptation of Vale's offer.

"You can't tempt me with peace, Vale," Elias said, his voice rough. "There's no peace with you. You're a liar, a murderer. And I'll never stop until you're gone."

Vale's eyes darkened. "Then this is your choice. I'll make sure you regret it."

Before Elias could respond, Vale's men surged forward. Time seemed to stretch as Elias reached for his gun, but everything felt slow, too slow. He wasn't quick enough.

Gunfire rang out.

But it wasn't Vale's men who fired first.

Elias' head snapped toward Collins, who, despite being gravely injured, had somehow managed to raise his gun, his finger squeezing the trigger. The bullet hit one of Vale's men square in the chest, dropping him like a ragdoll.

"I'm not dead yet, Mercer," Collins rasped, his voice hoarse but filled with determination. "Don't think you're getting rid of me that easily."

Elias felt a surge of relief mixed with admiration. His friend was still fighting. But there was no time to celebrate. Vale's men were closing in, and if they didn't move fast, they were all dead.

"Cassandra," Elias snapped, turning to her. "Get Collins out of here. Now."

Cassandra didn't hesitate. She rushed to Collins' side, helping him up despite the blood soaking his clothes. Collins grunted in pain but didn't fight her.

"I'm not going anywhere without you," Collins muttered, trying to stay on his feet.

"You'll live longer if you listen to me for once," Cassandra shot back, her voice firm.

Elias didn't wait to see if they were moving. He sprinted toward Vale, his mind now clear. The battle wasn't about power or control—it was about survival. It was about ending this, once and for all.

Vale's smile faltered as Elias charged, but he didn't flinch. Instead, he drew his own gun, aiming straight at Elias' heart.

The world slowed again.

But Elias was faster this time.

The shot rang out, but it missed. Elias was already moving, ducking behind a pillar, using the chaos to his advantage.

He reloaded his gun, every sense on high alert. He didn't have the luxury of time anymore.

Vale's voice echoed through the tunnel. "You think this is the end, Mercer? It's only the beginning."

The words hit Elias like a punch to the gut, but he refused to be swayed. Not now. Not when so much had been lost.

When the last of Vale's men fell, Elias took a deep breath. There was no joy in it. No satisfaction. There was only a cold, empty feeling in the pit of his stomach.

Collins was alive, but barely. And the war was far from over.