Chapter 50 — The Queen's Stand
Kiera's legs burned as she ran through the hidden corridors with Kade and Leo close behind. Her mind raced faster than her feet. Sparks from the earlier device still crackled in the walls, and the mansion seemed alive with danger. Every shadow felt like a threat, every sound a warning.
"We need to find a safe room!" Kade shouted over his shoulder, muscles tensed, eyes scanning the darkness. "Somewhere we can regroup!"
Kiera clutched Leo tightly. "He's scared, Kade… we can't let him see panic."
Kade shot her a look, fierce but protective. "He won't. Not while I'm here. Not while you're here."
The masked man appeared suddenly from behind a doorway, his expression grave. "Safe room? There isn't one. Not anymore. Vivienne anticipated every escape route. This entire mansion… it's a trap."
Kiera's stomach twisted. "Then… what do we do?"
"Confront her," he said bluntly. "Now. Before she regains control of the device. Before she sets another one."
