Chapter 48 — The Choice
The darkness pressed in around Kiera, heavy and suffocating. Vivienne's laughter echoed off the walls, sharp and cruel. Her sister stood close by the black case, fingers hovering over the pulsing device, and the masked man lingered just behind, a silent predator watching every move.
Kiera clutched Leo tightly, his small body trembling against hers. "I… I can't let you do this," she whispered, more to herself than anyone else.
Vivienne's voice cut through the darkness like a blade. "Oh, Queen… you already did."
Kiera's heart stopped. "What do you mean?"
Vivienne's smirk was audible, her presence dominating the room despite the shadows. "Every choice you've made… every step you've taken… has led you here. And now, the question is simple: who do you save first?"
Kiera's mind spun. Her instincts screamed to protect Leo first, but Kade… Kade would never forgive her if she let Vivienne win. And if she tried to stop the device… she risked triggering it.
