Page 29 of Veil of Shadows

Then, without warning, everything spirals out of control.

It’s late at night when the call comes in. I’m still in the penthouse, running through possible scenarios in my mind, when my phone buzzes on the table. It’s Lev again, and his voice is strained.

“Viktor, we’ve got a problem. There’s been a breach at the lab where Alyssa works. We think someone’s looking for her.”

The world narrows to a pinprick of focus. “What do you mean a breach?”

“I don’t have all the details yet, but we need to move. She could be in danger.”

I feel the adrenaline spike in my veins, turning my focus into a sharp point of clarity. “I’m on my way,” I say, already reaching for my coat.

The drive to the lab feels like a blur. My mind races as I envision all the possible outcomes. I push the car to its limits, my heart pounding against my chest.

When I arrive, the scene is chaotic. Police cars line the street, lights flashing in a desperate dance. I push through the crowd, flashing my identification to the officers.

“What happened?” I demand, my voice sharp as I approach one of the detectives.

“Possible intruder. No confirmation on their identity yet. We’re checking security footage now.”

“Where’s Alyssa?” I ask, my voice lowering, fear creeping in.

“She’s in the back, being questioned,” the detective replies, glancing at me with a hint of concern. “You should wait—”

“No!” I snap, cutting him off. I can’t wait. Not when she’s in danger.

I push through the doors and make my way down the dimly lit corridor, the sterile scent of the lab filling my lungs. Thelow hum of fluorescent lights overhead does little to calm my racing heart. I can’t shake the feeling of urgency that grips me; I need to find her, to ensure she’s safe.

When I reach the interrogation room, the door is slightly ajar. I push it open, my body tensing at the sight before me. Alyssa sits at the table, her expression a mix of anger and confusion. A police officer stands across from her, asking questions, but she looks up when she sees me.

“Viktor!” she exclaims, a wave of relief washing over her face.

I stride forward, instinctively stepping between her and the officer. “What’s going on?”

“Alyssa, we’re just trying to figure out what happened here,” the officer says, his tone measured.

“No,” I say, my voice firm. “We need to leave. Now.”

Alyssa’s eyes widen. “Leave? Viktor, I can’t just walk out—”

“Trust me,” I reply, my voice low and urgent. “You’re not safe here. We have to go.”

I see the conflict in her eyes, but there’s also an undercurrent of understanding. She nods, and I can feel the tension in her shoulders relax slightly.

I turn back to the officer. “We’ll be in touch,” I say before leading Alyssa out of the room.

As we exit the building, the chaos outside intensifies. I can hear voices, shouting, the flash of cameras as reporters gather. It’s a frenzy, but all I can focus on is getting Alyssa away from this place.

“Viktor, what’s happening?” she asks, her voice trembling slightly.

“Just get in the car,” I reply, trying to keep my tone steady.

We make our way to my car, and I can feel the weight of her gaze on me. I can’t explain everything yet—there’s no time for that. The moment we get inside, I slam the door shut, and the tension shifts.

“Start talking,” she demands, her eyes locked on mine, a fiery determination shining through.

“There’s a threat,” I say, my voice low. “Someone is looking for you, and I don’t know who they are yet, but I can’t risk it.”

Her expression shifts, the fire in her gaze turning to concern. “What do you mean, looking for me? Why?”

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