THE TRAP BENEATH THE GOLD

Ayla stared at the etched name on the wall—Elara. 04.17. But the room wasn't a lab or a shrine.

It was a vault.

Lined with stacks of cash, forged passports, weapons, and sealed files. Each folder had a name—some she recognized from whispers of cartel legends. Others were marked with red symbols she didn't understand.

Then she found one with her name.

She opened it slowly.

Inside were photos—taken from a distance. Some of her with Leon. Others when she was still with Daniel. Even one from the alleyway where she thought she was alone.

Her breath caught. He's been watching me.

"You see now?" Cassian's voice said from behind her.

She spun, startled. He was leaning against the vault door, arms crossed, the mask of charm gone from his face.

"I don't need scientists," he said. "I need leverage. And you, Ayla, are the only one who can bring both Leon and Viper to their knees."

"You're sick," she snapped. "You used my mother's name to lure me here."

"No," Cassian said, stepping into the room. "I honored her name. And I'm protecting you too—because in this war, mercy gets you killed."

Ayla backed toward the wall. "You're building a trap."

"I've already built it," he replied. "Leon and Viper are coming. That's what I wanted. This estate isn't a home, Ayla—it's a battlefield dressed in marble."

"You kidnapped me for revenge."

He smiled faintly. "No. I kidnapped you… because they took everything from me. My love. My freedom. My place in this world. Now, they'll watch as I take everything from them."

Ayla stared at him, fury rising. "And what if I don't let you use me?"

Cassian's eyes flickered—half regret, half warning. "Then you'll fall with them."

Meanwhile…

Leon crouched in the jungle, watching the estate through thermal scope. Viper was beside him, silent, eyes locked forward.

"He's set traps everywhere," Leon whispered. "This isn't just a safehouse. It's a fortress."

"I know," Viper muttered. "Cassian's finally showing his true face."

"What's the play?" Leon asked.

Viper looked toward the sky where thunder cracked.

"We go in loud."