Page 57 of Twisted Thorns

"Even then," I reply, my heart aching at the thought of the potential consequences. But I can not, will not, abandon Avalina to the darkness that threatens to consume her.

"Very well," Liam nods, understanding filling his gaze. "I'm always with you, you know that."

"Thank you," I murmur, grateful for his support, even as I know we might both pay dearly for my decision.

The wind howls like a wounded wolf, clawing its way through the narrow alleys of the city. I shiver, pulling my coat tighter around me as I stare into the darkness. There is no turning back now. My mind is made up, my heart resolute. For Avalina, I will defy my family, defy everything I have been taught since birth.

"Kieran," a gravelly voice whispers from behind me. I turn to see Finn, his face holding an emotion I can't name. "Are you certain about this?"

"More than anything," I reply, my jaw set in determination. "I can’t stand by while Avalina is in danger."

Finn nods gravely, understanding the weight of my decision. He places a hand on my shoulder, offering both comfort and support. "Then let's get her back."

We gather with Cass and Liam - the only other ones I trust with this.

"Cass," I murmur, my breath fogging in the cold air. "You've gathered information; what do we know?"

"She's being held in the basement of Sean's house," she replies, her voice low and urgent. "Which means it's heavily guarded. We'll have to use force."

"But that might get Avalina killed in the process."

"We'll need help. I have a few O'Neil men I trust. They're ready to assist us when we give the signal." Finn says.

"The O'Neils are why she was taken in the first place." I snap.

Finn winces at that. "I know, but I trust these people with my life. One of them is Sloane."

"Fine," I say, my voice barely audible above the wind's mournful cry. I trust Finn, and I trust Sloane. If they say they can get help, I have to believe it.

Cass, Liam, and Finn set out planning the attack. My mind races and can't focus on anything other than the thrumming of my pulse, the urge to let my beast loose and destroy everything.

Sean thinks he set the perfect trap, a way to get me off my turf and onto his where he can kill me and set up a takeover - either by force or by controlling Liam.

What he didn't account for was the stories that they whisper about me, every single one of them fucking true.

I will bring death to Sean's door and not feel an ounce of remorse for it. Even if that means losing Avalina, as long as she lives, I don’t care what happens to me.

As we make our way through the darkened streets, my senses are heightened and on alert, every sound echoing in the silence. The distant bark of a dog, the rustle of leaves in the wind, the soft crunch of our footsteps on the pavement–all of it seems amplified, the tension in the air almost tangible.

The moon slips behind the clouds, casting us into shadow. I steel myself for the battle ahead. For Avalina, I will fight against all odds, no matter the cost.

"Stay close," I instruct Liam as we approach the O'Neil manor, a grandiose show of wealth if I ever saw one. The building looms before us, with enough lights to illuminate the surrounding woods. He knows we're coming.

We know where the guards are stationed and when they change shifts, thanks to Finn, but if Sean has Avalina, he might also know his heir has been working against him, so we have to operate as if everything we know is a lie.

Heart pounding, I grip the cold steel of my gun as I tiptoe through the shadows. My eyes scan every corner, searching for any hint of movement or danger. Staying low, I crouch behind a trimmed hedge outlining the property, sensing rather than seeing the others do the same behind me.

Finn moves to take point, and as I much as I want to lead this ambush to save my girl, I know Finn has knowledge I don't. He grew up here.

Even though Sean thinks he's set up a pretty trap, even if he knows Finn has been working with me, he doesn't realize that Finn has been working against his father since he was old enough to realize that his dear old dad killed his mom.

All we have to do is make it to the east wing, to where Finn's second will let us in the house through an entrance hidden even from Sean himself.

As we turn yet another darkened corner, one that will lead us to our destination, Finn holds up a hand, signaling for us to stop. "Footsteps," he silently mouths, and my senses sharpen, listening for the telltale signs of our enemies approaching.

"Stay hidden," I whisper, before stepping out into the open, weapon raised. The moment our adversaries round the bend, their eyes widen in surprise. They never stand a chance, whether or not they know it.

"Kieran Calder," one of them spits, venom dripping from his words. "You'll regret crossing us."

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